So, Tuesday was my birthday. My 33rd birthday.

33

More than any other age that I’ve reached so far, this feels like legit adulthood. Don’t ask my why. I don’t think it has anything to do with Jesus starting his ministry at 33 or anything like that. (Though I’ve had several people bring up that point already).

And there’s a pretty good chance I’ve said this already about another age (31, maybe? I seem to recall something about that), but never mind what I did or didn’t say before: this feels legit-er. ๐Ÿ™‚

And it’s not a bad feeling. 32 kind of was. I remember feeling down and heavy and a bit, well, sad about 32. I blogged about it. And then, I didn’t post the blog (whew! I’m glad I didn’t now. It was probably whiny and narcissistic).

But this 33-year-old gig is a pretty light one so far. It’s matter-of-fact and hopeful. Like, “So, you’re a little bit older. That’s okay. You’ve had a chance to grow a bit more in God’s grace. That’s a good thing.”

So…Hello, 33. Welcome. I think I like you just fine.

Speaking of growing, I thought it might be fun to take stock of and greet the ways I’m different than I used to be, so…

Hello, avocados.ย You really are an amazing little creation. I’m so sorry that I hated and shunned you all of those years. I still can’t eat you straight, but on a salad or sandwich or whipped into guac with lots of lime, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro…yeah. You’re one of my faves, now.

Hello, novels in my earbuds. My husband has listened to books on his phone forever, but I’m always a bit behind the technological curve, and I’m just now really embracing the convenience of listening to “books on tape” as I do projects. I’ve knocked out a decent number of books in the last few months, and it works wonders in my motivation for tackling the next daunting thing on my list. And, considering how little time I’ve had to read over the past decade, it’s been a welcome escape.

Hello, to-do lists. Speaking of lists, I’ve always been a do-er and a goal-setter, but lately, I can’t get enough of making lists and checking them off. In the past, they stressed me as much as they fulfilled me, so I would avoid them as much as possible and just “do the next thing.” But now, I’m all about planning out my morning, afternoon, and evening. And if (WHEN) I don’t get to it all, I try to be kind to myself and remember the successes over the omissions.

Hello, Christmas. Of course, I’ve always loved Christmas. But, as my kids get older, and understand more and more both the true significance of Jesus coming to this earth as a tiny Savior and the sheer “magic” (for lack of a better term) of the celebration, I find myself looking forward to it for months at a time–something I haven’t done since I was a kid myself.

Hello, non-competiton. When I watch my kids play soccer, I wonder where they got their laid back genes. Because as even a very young child, I was anything but relaxed, especially when it came to anything competitive. I would get genuinely upset with myself for missing a fly-ball (there’s footage of me as a 6-year-old playingย tee ball, for the love, and I’m pounding my 4-sizes-too-big man’s glove in frustration because of some error I made on the field) or for making lower than a 96 on a test. High-strung, much? Mmm-hmm. But more and more, I just don’t care. Let someone else freak out about a less-than-perfect score or get bent out of shape over losing at a board game. I think I’ll go take a nap instead.

Hello, red meat. I am, first and foremost, a poultry girl. I never ate red meat much growing up, nor did I ever learn how to cook it, so I’ve just avoided it for most of my decade of marriage. I didn’t even think I liked steak. What??! But then, I discovered this recipe and have since branched out into other cuts, and now, while I’m still no expert, I am confident in my ability to cook a tasty steak, and I look forward to the (still) rare occasion when they’re on the menu.

Hello, new opportunities. There are several big changes, both blog-wise and life-wise (no, I’m not pregnant) on the horizon, and I can’t wait to tell you guys more about them!

Hello, baby-cuddling. I’ve always held and loved on my children, of course. But the older I get, the more aware I am of just how fleeting these days of tiny, finger-grasping hands and warm milky breath are. I am more and more okay with just sitting and snuggling my sweet babies no matter what else is on “the list.”

Hello, gray hair. I haven’t had any until this year, and while I still have to hunt pretty hard to find one, I’ve noticed a sparkle or two of silver in the last several months. To say that I’m excited about it would be overstating things a tad, but I tell you this much: I’m not dyeing my hair until I “have to.” Assuming that I ever feel that way.

Of course, the truth is that, even with these little shifts, I’m still just me. Just Abbie. A 33-year-old sinner, wife, mama, daughter, sister, friend…saved through faith in Jesus, seeking daily to grow in the knowledge and grace of the Lord.

What about you guys? Are you saying hello to anything new as you get older? I’d love to know I’m not alone.

0 Comments

  1. Happy birthday!!! Yea for extra baby snuggling – I’ve been feeling the same way the past few months with my kiddos and I’m so grateful for the way God has changed my mindset from when I first became a mom!
    And yes for audiobooks! I get them for free from my library and have listened to a lot that way! I listened to The Hunger Game series and got a crazy amount of cleaning/projects done during those weeks just because I wanted an excuse to listen!! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  2. Happy Birthday! I turned 40 this year, and I can relate to many of the things you mentioned. I love this quote on on age by Anne Lamott: โ€œAge has given me what I was looking for my entire life – it has given me me . It has provided time and experience and failures and triumphs and time-tested friends who have helped me step into the shape that was waiting for me. I fit into me now.”

  3. Happy Birthday! I recently celebrated my 34th b-day and as I am getting older I find myself accepting grace in my mistakes a little more often, and your blog has been a big initial push in that- so I do appreciate that. I have yet to try audiobooks- I love listening to the pastors on Moody Radio on my 1.5 hr commute (each way)- thankfully that is only 2-3 days a week. I am so happy and thankful I have stumbled upon your blog- I do very much enjoy it! May God bless your days ahead!

  4. Happy Birthday!! I was just thinking last night about being 33 and how much I loved that age ( I am 37 now). I can’t think about any specific thing about getting older…so that’s probably the thing. Some forgetfulness, which I don’t mind. Things seem so much more peaceful that way.

  5. Firstly – HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBIE! I’ve just turned 32 and I just keep thinking that my Mum was 32 when she had me, so she’s now double my age. I think you have to just continue to look at things philosophically, count your blessings everyday and continue to push yourself to keep learning. I love the way you’ve summerised in this post ๐Ÿ™‚ I also have fallen in love with Audiobooks just recently after my in-laws bought me an audible membership last Christmas (best present ever!) I get to download a new book each month, I can finally get round to “reading” all the books I’ve wanted to for ages as I have always struggled to find the time to just sit down and switch off and read a book, even on holiday I’d rather be listening to music. Oh well better late than never. Take care of you ๐Ÿ™‚

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