Usually around the time of my birthday I do a lot of reflecting on the past year of my life. I also try to be super intentional about spending time with God in hopes of determining what my life should like in the upcoming year. This past year was a big one for me. There were a lot of emotional ups and downs in year 30.
I honestly don’t even know where to begin, but the biggest event of my 30th year was giving birth to my son. I’ve said it multiple times on multiple platforms and to multiple people – there is no experience more humbling than motherhood. NOTHING will test you in every single fruit of the spirit like being a parent. NOTHING! From the moment I found out I was pregnant, there was no decision that could be made without considering the life growing inside of me. Now, I sit back and look at that little boy and I’m in constant awe of just how good God really is. He truly is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
In my 30th year, I feel like I was tested in so many different areas. I was stretched in ways that I did not even think was possible. But I learned that I’m so much stronger and so much more capable than I give myself credit for. Sometimes I forget how strong I truly am. This past year definitely put it all into perspective for me.
I got to bring my 30th year to a close by seeing someone I truly admire live for the first time: Jackie Hill Perry. I went to the Glory conference in Philadelphia. It was everything I knew it would be and I’ve never had a more divine experience than I did this past weekend. If you’ve never experienced a JHP teaching of the text then I highly encourage you to do so. If you’ve never been to Glory then I highly encourage you to go.
I thought that I would have something incredibly deep and profound to say, but I don’t. I’m turning 31 today and I’m grateful. I have a happy, healthy 8 month old son and I’m grateful. We have a roof over our heads by way of my parents and I’m grateful. I have a job that helps me pay my bills and save money and I’m grateful. I don’t know what 31 will have to offer, but I do know that whatever it is – I’m grateful.