Turning 29

I AM turning 29!!!

Now, when I'm approaching my birthday, I've realized that I've never cared much about my birthdays. 
I grew up in a family who didn't make a big deal out of them. We celebrated with cake, juice or ice cream and that was all. We got kisses and hugs from everyone in the family and sometimes my parents used to give us some birthday money (which was nice). I loved the simplicity of it or I kind of grew to love it. I liked how there was no fuss about it and there was no present expectancy. Birthdays were all about being together as a family (and eating cake).

And if I have to think back, there are only few times I did even have a celebration. Birthdays were small priorities and no one planned around them. And life moved on as it always has.

But right now as I'm turning 29, I realize that this is the year of big changes. I will celebrate these big changes that re-shaped my life. I am happy and content not only because I married the smartest, sweetest and most generous man on earth (and I'm not even saying anything about his looks), not only because I enjoy the challenging company of the crazy dog or because I simply love our new house. All these make a delicious bite of the famous 'American pie' but I believe the pie is greater (and bigger) than the slice I am having right now.

So 29 marks the beginning of 'the change'. Recently married, with a husband, a dog and a house to take care of, I sometimes find it hard to believe that it is me 'possessing' all these. I have long given my old self up and I quickly became the person I had to be. I am no longer the urban lady working like a slave 5 days/week, shopping Saturdays and doing church on Sundays. I  became the country housewife who works when she pleases, does weekly grocery shopping with the husband and tries to do church still. My obsession with dresses, shoes and bags instantly had to stop - it was replaced with a passion for healthy family living I guess. It is not about me anymore, it is about the family.

I am no longer praying for a future husband and my purpose in life to make more sense. I love my husband and my purpose in life makes more sense -but not enough yet.

I no longer complain about my job, but I pray I get a job.

I'm no longer the loudest of the group, but I'm the most quiet of any new group.

I'm no longer in charge of anything. And it's quite a relaxing feeling -knowing that I am where God wants me to be it is still empowering. Right now, when all my plans, desires and wishes depend only on God, I can somehow have the freedom to give them all up. I realize it will only be Him making them happen.

Embarking on this journey of starting my life all over again, far away from any familiarity, I decide to trust again in the plan that I do not see. With the many things I still surrender, I find my self dying and my faith growing stronger and wider. In this context of turning 29, I'm experiencing a new re-birth. It is painful and it is worth it. And all I can say is: it is getting better and better! In spite of everything that goes on around the world, God always manages to take us from better to better. Thank you, great and personal Designer!

I will be probably celebrating with tea and cake, so who won't you invite someone over and celebrate the miracle you are walking in? Also, pray for the bigger one that is about to unfold!

Happy cake day everyone!