1/4 of a century

When I was growing up, for some reason I had this belief that I would never be older than I was at that time. I always saw people that were older and thought that they must have always been that old and that I would forever be as young as I was. Looking back now I see that was wrong, but I still seem to do that a little these days.

The first instance I was finally "older" was this weekend when Whitney and I were serving at Forklift. Hanging out with the high school students and having them ask me questions about events in their life that were soon to come and actually looking to gleam some advice from me was a little new to me. I mean I get asked for advice everyday from 12 year olds, but that is different. These were pivotal questions about what to do in certain life situations and how to handle adversity when it means disappointing a friend or family member while growing their relationship with God. The funniest experience of getting older this weekend was playing sports with all of the high school kids. My team was able to win the basketball tourney, which is cool, but when it came to the dodgeball tourney, that was a little different. We did really well, but the funniest thing was how sore my arm was the next day after playing. Now, I have played baseball since I could walk and have been throwing things whether for sports or at my brother for a very long time. But, my arm felt like it was going to fall off. I think I got my first glance at the limitations I am going to be facing with my body for years to come.

I told Whit last week that I don't miss being in High School at all. All of the experiences we have had since then often make me forget that it ever happened in the first place. I also said that I don't think I am going to miss being 24 either. I think that every year I have been alive, life has gotten just a little bit better. Whether it is gaining experience in the job I am in, deepening and strengthening my marriage or going farther in my daily walks with God and seeing that relationship really start to take off, I think that there is so much more left in life to experience and I for one am looking forward to seeing it come, in due time of course.

I have had some amazing birthdays in the past, but I think this one might be the best so far. Not because of any gifts, money or "things", but because of the phase of life I am in and the people I get to share it with. I feel like this is a huge moment in mine and Whitney's lives and I am looking forward to yet another year of learning, laughing and loving with the people we are fortunate to have in our lives.