30

It's here. February 19, 2009. My 30th birthday. Do I feel any older? Well, it's been increasingly harder to get out of bed each morning. I realize I now require more sleep than before. I'm not quite sure if I can pinpoint that to my increase in age or the sheer fact that I am chasing after a 9 month old.

I can tell you I have noticed I require additional layers of cover up and foundation. The irony is I'm not trying to hide new wrinkles that I've discovered, rather I'm covering up the acne that seems to have skipped my teen years. Laughingly, I want to believe this is God's way of helping me feel young. Surely a 30-year old wouldn't have to conceal zits as a part of her morning routine, right?!

I was greeted by the creativity of my husband who intricately designed a "Happy Birthday" banner out of toilet paper and permanent marker. He knows I get up first so it was hanging on the shower. I was a bit surprised when he asked if I had made use of the banner. Politely, no.

My little one greeted me with an extra special 'surprise' in his diaper this morning. Even as I type, there are a tiny pair of shoes on the coffee table, toys strewn across the living room, and little fingers curiously trying to also type. I am already wearing baby drool on my sweater. It's become a permanent part of my wardrobe these days. I praise God for the mess, all the things not neatly put away, and most especially for the wonderment of a child - who, despite my attempts to teach the computer is a "no-touch" helps keep me young with his innocence and energy.

The top of our blog boasts the verse I claimed last year on my birthday. I had no idea what my 29th year would hold. I read Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" everyday. Despite having read the same devotional on my birthday since my freshman year of college (wow, that was 11 years ago), even today I have gained new insight.

"In some cases the way a person does a task makes that work sanctified and holy forever. It may be a very common everyday task, but after we have seen it done, it becomes different. When the Lord does something through us, He always transforms us."

If I ever had to question whether or not my life means something, whether or not I've accomplished my 'goals' as I now reach this new pinnacle in my life, I can find hope knowing even the common everyday tasks - changing diapers, combing alfalfa hair, laying on the floor so I can serve as a climbing gym, and singing ABC's - have become what God chooses to use in my life presently to continue to transform me.

Praise You, Lord.