32 Years

I turn 32 today. And if I am completely honest, my life looks nothing like I thought it would at 32, at least as a child.

I never imagined I would have the job I have. In fact, as a child I wanted to be a grocery clerk, teacher, boutique owner, or get this one...full service gas station attendant when I grew up. I also thought I would have appeared on the Price is Right, but that hasn't happened either. But I practiced, believe me! I never imagined I would have the opportunity to help shape the lives of young adults. I never imagined I would have a job where I can use my God-given creativity and encourage people to follow their dreams. I never imagined I would have a job where I get to play for a living! I never imagined I would have a job that I loved going to every day.

I never imagined I would have the friends I have. I also never imagined that I wouldn't be close with friends from childhood, but I must admit that Facebook allows me to at least keep tabs on people with whom I grew up, and that's really nice. I really am blessed to have so many wonderful friends who truly care about me. I have friends I can pray with, laugh with, cry with, be silly with, do crazy things with, and everything in between. I have friends that tell me the truth when I need to hear it, no matter how much it might hurt. I have friends that let me dream. I have friends that buy me lunch each Sunday! I have friends that serve as my family when mine is so far away. I have true friends in all age groups, and my friends keep me grounded. Most importantly, my friends lead me toward the throne of grace

I never imagined I would live here. Growing up, we always took family vacations to Hendersonville/Asheville, North Carolina. Even just for a weekend away, we would pack the car and drive eight hours to the mountains. I never imagined I would live so close. I never imagined I would live right in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains. And here I am, right in the middle of God's beauty.

I never imagined I would have the opportunities I have. I get to travel places with my job. I get to help lead worship on Sunday mornings through song! I get to work with incredibly amazing and talented people day in and day out. I have this blog as a forum to share my deepest thoughts, questions, prayers, frustrations, etc. I have a house in which I can entertain and show hospitality to others. I have endless opportunities to serve others.

So while my life is not what I imagined it would be, it is far more than I ever imagined! I can look back over the past 32 years and see how God has painted the tapestry of my life. One experience builds on another. Experiences I had in high school prepared me for experiences I have now. My first real job out of college truly prepared me for the job I have now. There are countless people in my life who have taught me, discipled me, loved me, ultimately shaping me into the person I am now.

When I look back over the last 32 years, I am overwhelmed by the goodness and providence of my Heavenly Father. I am truly thankful that God always has been and forever will be the Author of my life. The words of an old song by the group Truth put it best.

We have come so far

You have been so good

When I trace the road that we have traveled

I gotta tell you Lord

I look at where we are

And see where I could have been

And I need to say again you've been so good

Who would have guessed that we would come so far?