Monday, October 15, 2007

Thirty-Three



Thirty-three years ago today, I came into this world. Unlike turning 16, 18, 21, 30, 40, or any of those other decade ages, this particular birthday does not have any sort of special celebration attached to it. I didn’t get a brand new driver’s license or the opportunity to vote. But despite the world’s view that turning 33 is not a big event, in my mind, it is.

For a few months now, I’ve been contemplating this new age. Mostly because Jesus was 33 when he died. I wasn’t thinking about it with a fatalistic attitude of “turn 33 and die”; instead, I was thinking about all that Jesus had accomplished by the time He was 33.

When I was growing up, I didn’t spend much time daydreaming. Instead, I spent my time writing lists with goals I wanted to achieve and the steps I would take to accomplish them. Consequently, I was a bit of an overachiever.

Over the years, I have scaled back and tried to let God direct my paths instead of my lists. So, when this birthday arrived, I didn’t have a vision of what 33 should look like or where I should be at this point in my life. Consequently, I am not disappointed. There are definitely a few things I wish I had in my life already, but I haven’t lost hope that God can still add them to my life in future years. I’m grateful for the people God has put in my life to encourage me and inspire me. So for the most part, I feel content with where God has brought me over the past 33 years. And, I look forward to seeing where He takes me from this point forward.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy belated birthday to you!

I can so see you making lists as a little girl! I miss watching you check off the scriptures from the verse sheet in Women in the Word!! I remember the time you tried not to do that. Almost more than you could stand!! : )

Have a wonderful day,
Laura

Anonymous said...

Happy Belated Birthday!

BJ
www.bjhamrick.com

Renae said...

Happy Birthday! Such a beautiful post. I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope."

Isn't it wonderful that no matter our age, we can know that God has good things in store? I can know that at 16 or 21 or 33 or 98, for God's promises always have a future and a hope!

Alyssa said...

L - Thanks for the birthday wishes and for stopping by. I remember that night clearly; I almost had to sit on my hands!

B - Belated birthday wishes are great! They make my birthday extend longer than just one day, which is a great thing!

R - Thank you! You are an amazing encourager! I am about to post on hope; you must have read my mind!