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A Little Bit of Wisdom!
It’s my birthday! I love birthdays. There’s been a lot of teasing around here about getting older and falling apart, but let’s face it, forty isn’t old. Okay, it’s not young either. Forty is the perfect middle ground. I’m old enough that I’ve collected a bit of wisdom (just a bit). And I’m young enough that I still feel like I can do anything!
One thing that’s really encouraged me lately is how happy my fifty year old friends seem. I take that to mean the next ten years could easily be the best of my life!
I’ve been pondering what I’ve learned so far. Here’s the beginning of my list.
- It’s best to stay away from drama. The problem is, drama works very hard to draw in an audience.
- History is much more exciting than we were led to believe in high school.
- Time spent in prayer is never wasted.
- Cats can be wonderful companion…but they also vomit.
- Persistence is key.
- Persistence must be tempered with patience.
- Bruises don’t fade as fast when you’re forty.
- One should be very careful when walking into the garage. You could fall and get a big bruise.
- When you give forgiveness, you set yourself free.
- I can choose to be happy by focusing on my blessings.
Leave a comment and tell us what grains of wisdom you’ve collected.
Thanks for reading!
Christina
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Thirty-Nine…For One More Day!
Tomorrow I turn forty!
Time sure has a way of flying by. It seems like I just graduated high school. Over the last few days I’ve been thinking back over my life. You know, the good, bad, and other stuff. I’m left with the conclusion that forty isn’t such a bad thing.
The day I turned ten, we flew home from Disneyland. That’s sad enough, but on this particular day John Schneider was due to appear in the park. The Dukes of Hazzard was big then…Real big. And I was sure that Mr. Schneider was the greatest man alive.
At ten I’d lived with my dad and his family for most of the last year. Though I was glad to be included, I struggled with the transition. I was awkward, scrawny, and pretty lost in my own world.
At twenty, I was a newly engaged college student. Though I loved my fiance, I lacked confidence that I could maintain a marriage. Okay, I was sure I’d fail and take someone I loved with me. Life fluctuated between joy and fear. Confidence and faith were rarely in the equation.By thirty I was surrounded by my tiny children, and I’d become responsible for my grandmother’s financial, medical, and daily decisions. I loved this time, but the fatigue was sometimes overwhelming. At this point, I worried about who I’d be when we stopped having little ones. My identity was granddaughter and mom.
So, where am I now that I’m about to turn 40? Well, my kids are getting older. They’re becoming their own independent people, and I’m loving the opportunity to see them grown into themselves. I’ve been married for nineteen years and it’s better than I ever hoped. I’m working toward being a published novelist, and I’m learning more everyday. I have so many wonderful blessings. For the first time in my life, I feel like I know who I am, and I’m confident that God has a plan for me.
Forty is going to be the best so far!
Blessings,
Christina
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Great Blogs of the Week
I read quite a few blogs throughout the week. Today I’ve decided to share some of my favorite posts with you.
If you’re a writer, check out Jody Hedlund’s blog about a writer’s worse enemy.
Okay, this one isn’t from this week, but it’s hilarious. Ane Mulligan tells us all about the over 55 techie.
Fliterary publicized the Idahope contest. I’m entering. Maybe you should too!
Check out Jodie Bailey’s journey from pre-published writer to published author. By the way, we’re getting a Panera in my neck of the woods very soon! Writer’s get excited about that kind of thing.
What if there were no money in writing? Well, for the most part, that’s been my experience. But I still love it. Rachelle Gardner tackles this topic.
Steve Laube has done a great job dissecting the acquisition of Thomas Nelson. After you read this post, make sure to look at his others from earlier in the week.
I’ll end this with blatant self-promotion. I’m the guest blogger on Nicole Miller’s blog today. I’m talking about our first horse emergency. Come on back and let me know what you think!
Thanks,
Christina
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What Are You Thankful For?
It’s November again, and Facebook is going crazy with claimed blessings and thankful thoughts. I love it. They range from serious to odd. You know, things like, “I’m thankful that the cat didn’t puke in my shoe this morning, just all over the carpet.” Perspective!
I’ve come to love this modern-day tradition. And I wonder, does the conscious thought of our blessings change our daily actions? I’m thinking it does. When I take the time to think of how each of my children are blessings to me, my patients grows longer. When I consider how my husband supports me completely, I’m able to love the opportunity to do things for him. When I think of how grateful I am to have a home, I bear the constant maintenance with a different attitude. It’s like bringing the important part of the story to the surface.
It’s only November 2, not to late for you to join in. Consider posting your thankful thoughts this month, and maybe throughout the year too.
What are you thankful for today?
