Three Cheers for 30 Years!

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything, give thanks.” // 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Photo by the talented Whitney Keilman

I’m officially 30 years old, friends, and I gotta tell ya, it’s my absolute favorite so far. I’m not sure what it is, but I just feel more myself than I ever have. The theme God gave me for this new year, decade, and season of life is in full bloom, and I’m feeling it. I feel more comfortable in my own skin than I ever have. I feel like I’m more of who I am meant to be than ever before. I feel a little more settled - not complacent in any way, but just settled in a good way. 20’s are so full and so fun - they are unsettled and tumultuous and full of transitions and growth and figuring out who you are and who you want to be. And while I know there will be plenty of that in the 30’s and 40’s and all the years to come, I think it will happen at a much less rapid-fire pace. And I’m really looking forward to it.

I’m outrageously grateful for the people who love me well and those I’ve had the joy of loving. I am humbled by the way God tenderly loves and leads me - and blown away by his vastness and how he desires to intimately love and lead every single one of his 7,000,000,000 children. The more I learn about this life and our Creator, the more I realize how little I know. “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” // Romans 11:33

If I had to condense every bit of knowledge and wisdom I’ve gained over my young life into one word, it would be gratitude. I truly believe gratitude is the key to living our best lives. An attitude of gratitude puts the proper perspective on everything. Gratitude is the flower that blooms from trust and humility, and it’s the soil in which joy and kindness grow. Giving thanks in everything truly does change everything.