I read the best post over on Jennifer's blog and then clicked on the link to the article she referenced and thought....this would be a fun post to do.
So here I am.
38 - that's a big number to me. It's that much closer to 40 and that much further away from 30. I certainly don't feel old but I know the term "young adult" has not applied to me for a while.
38 is realizing I am more like my parents than I ever thought. I hear things come out of my mouth and I think, my mother (or father) has said that exact same thing. And not that it's a bad thing (sometimes - ha ha). Just eye-opening.
38 is feeling comfortable in my own skin, for the most part. Yes, it would be nice to lose those 10-15 extra pounds that I've carried around since I had kids. But hey, my husband thinks I'm hot and what else really matters. Maybe it would be nice to have that back fat gone and fit into those jeans I keep in my closet "just in case" but really, it's not one of the more important things in life.
38 is being so happy I don't have to change diapers, chase around after toddlers or wake up for middle-of-the-night feedings. It means having great, meaningful conversations with a child that is now taller than me. Cracking up at how witty and hilarious some of their jokes are. And enjoying my kids and having fun with them without worrying about getting home for naps.
38 is being a bit more sensitive to things. A bit more wisdom (ok who am I kidding, a lot more). A bit more compassion. At 38 I've been around a while. Stuff has happened. I've grown as a human being. And that's a wonderful thing.
38 is being married for 17 years to the most wonderful man I know. I had no idea this is what we would become 17 years ago but I am so, so thankful. He is my best friend and I cannot imagine my life without him. 38 is living through some hard times and coming out on the other side wiser and stronger.
38 is enjoying my kids while they are still at home and looking forward to that time when it will just be the two of us. We have some plans :-)
38 is realizing how amazing God's grace is in our lives. How un-deserving we are. And how loving and gracious He is. Grace - it's all about grace these days. His grace for us and our grace for others.
38 is still trying to navigate my way through friendships, old and new. But boy am I loving all the new ones I've formed through this blog and on the internet. My life is so, so full. And I love it. And am looking forward to many years ahead.
Bring on 39 (I think).....