What 42 Looks Like On Me

This is my post from last year, with an update as I turn 42. It’s amazing how much can change in a year, right? I kept 2011’s post yet updated the next line for 2012.

I was born on Good Friday with tornado warnings. That sums up my personality more than you know. I now can say I’m in my 40’s but admit, it’s not a phrase I’m tempted to say.

I thought I’d share what this 40 something feels like. If you’re near my age perhaps you can relate.

What 42 looks like on me:

1.  2011-I’m growing my hair out and trying different styles just because.

 

2012-I grew it out, got sick of it, and wanted something short and  sassy.

 

 

 

 

2. I’m noticing my pretty blue eyes more than my double chin.

This is pretty much the same.

3. I’m counting the days…to my latest surgery.

Has that been a year? I have no pain from why I needed that surgery, but continue to need lab work because the results aren’t where we want them. Boo.

4. I’m bolder in the colors I wear and the things I say in love.

This is still true, but I notice that filter where I think first before speaking—is disappearing. Need to work on the love.

5. I’m very aware of my sins.

Still very true!

6. I’m too aware of everyone else’s sins.

Also very true. I’ve really struggled with this in the past year. The whole justice thing, boy has that been a big one I’ve taken to God over and over again.

7. I’m eating steamed vegetables and loving it.

I’m buying the vegetables but not steaming them as much as last year. I want to get back on track for that.

8. But I’m not completely surrendering the chocolate.

Still true…

9. I’m not feeling obligated to finish books that aren’t keeping my attention.

I’m trying to finish but with 9 pages on my Kindle and books I’ve promised to read for review, the Kindle freebies need to be pretty compelling. They usually are.

10. I am feeling obligated to press in for promises regarding my family.

This sounds odd, but not so much this year. So many things have been fulfilled, and that which has not, I’ve proclaimed one final time and put it down, quietly walking away and letting God work in His timing.

11. I’m not feeling guilty for booking a cruise for our 15th anniversary, anymore, that is.

I’m so glad we went. We had an amazing time and I’m probably the only person who loved the crew more than the passengers. I also walked away with a renewed sense to go on a short term missions trip. I am kind of feeling guilty that we now have a Disney cruise booked for the family. This will probably be our biggest and only vacation as the 4 of us, but my desire for missions has given me conflicted feelings.

12. I’m done worrying what others think and trying to please them.

Oh, so done worrying and people pleasing.

13. I’m in total heaven speaking and teaching.

I still love this. My time isn’t there as much as I’m in edit mode for fiction work.

14. I’m not sure what my writing future holds but I know who holds my future.

I needed this reminder!

15. I’m believing God for the plans He has for our kids.

Still believe this, and claimed it all through a rough winter.

16. I’m no longer bound to trying crafts if I don’t want to. I’m not good at it people!

Amen! My daughter seems bound and determined, though.

17.  I’m resting and loving it.

Still doing and loving this.

18.  The size of my jeans no longer define me. I am a beloved daughter of the King of Kings.

In my mind, my jeans are ripped and bloodied as I serve that King of Kings as a prayer warrior. So much has stepped up in this part of my life and it is a battle. I don’t have time to worry about my jeans when I put on His armor.

19.  I’m delegating more chores to the kids knowing my job is to prepare them to be someone’s spouse.

I’ve slipped a little on this as the oldest especially has been so busy and I’ve helped out. This summer though, he’s going to be more hands on preparing dinner…

20. I can’t believe how fast time is passing but I don’t grieve over years gone by. I’m looking forward and now more than ever longing for my eternal home. Legacy is a keyword for me.

Yep, this is still my heart. There are days I cry because this place is not my home. I long for heaven more than words could express some days. I love my life and I am blessed. But I know what my eternity holds, and I look forward to it!

What does your current age look like on you?