Thursday, September 24, 2009

F-O-R-T-Y

I have to admit that things that are 40 are old. A 40 year old couch, a 40 year old car, a 40 year old book...old, old, old. However, those things have depreciated in value - and only if they're taken care of extremely well (hardly used) will they ever appreciate.

Not so with people. We get better with age, even better when used well and best when we're taken care of. To re-model and increase the value in a 40-year-old house you must bring in new parts - but with people our value is in our life. Just being a creation is what makes us valuable. We can increase the quality of our life with knowledge and love.

I have grown in knowledge. I no longer think I have to know EVERYTHING to be smart. I just have to do what I know to be smart. For me, planning ahead - being proactive is smart. If I do what I know by being organized in our busy family, then we have a lot of fun because we aren't constantly chasing the little things. I don't have to be supermom.

I have also grown in love. The older I get the more it is confirmed that God is the one constant faithful in my life. He has a place in every area and every area is so much better when I live His way. He helps me love. I love my husband now more than ever before. I love my children now more than ever before. I love to serve and give more than before because through life I have learned that giving brings me true joy.

The hardest thing about my 40th birthday was the memory of celebrating my Mom's 40th. I have young parents and I remember celebrating her birthday at the store. I had trouble reconciling that I remembered celebrating her turning 40.

The best parts of my day were 1) getting Facebook birthday greetings from so many friends...all the way from Austrailia and Germany! 2) Richard and the kids surprising me with a pocket laptop, and 3) a fresh-baked coconut cream pie! (two, in fact)

I suppose old age is always going to be about 15 years older than I am.

"How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was?" (credited to Satchel Paige)

3 comments:

Mrs. Hughes said...

I am so embarrassed that I forgot!!!!!!!!!!!! I am glad it was a great day for you! Love you!

Kayren said...

I thought about you while we were celebrating at our house. Welcome to the 40s!

Ashley said...

I didn't even realize that it was your birthday! Hapyy birthday!