This is 48

When I began writing an annual birthday blog some years ago, I didn’t realize how much it would evolve from Emma snapping a few good camera shots of me into what it is today.

Rather than dread the idea of growing another year older, each birthday I have marks a time to reflect on life and how God has richly blessed me. Life, in spite of all the chaos, is very good.

As the physical signs of ageing become more and more obvious, I am comforted with the knowledge that beauty, true beauty, does not wrinkle, sag, gray or age. Perhaps this understanding is the best part about celebrating another year of life and growing older gracefully.

47 has been marked by subtle changes. Our family increased in number by 2 (Levi, almost 8 months, and Kennedy, almost 3 months). Emma finished high school in March and leaves for college in just two short weeks.

For the first time in 3 decades I will have zero children at home to mother. This, perhaps more so than turning 48, is weighing a little more on my heart and mind than turning another year older.

I’ve been a lot of things in my life—daughter, sister, friend, employee, aunt, wife — but none have felt nearly as significant to me as the role of Mom.

I find myself asking God what this new season of life will bring, questioning my purpose and reminding myself that I still have value, even as I step into the empty nest season of life.

Yes, the concept of having a house to ourselves and coming and going as we please is appealing. It will be just hubby and I and that is something to look forward to.

Aging is inevitable, but aging gracefully is a choice. It’s about more than skin creams, hair color and pant size. There is wisdom to be gained and wisdom to be shared as I endeavor to make the best of this life that Gods given me.