Looking up at 40

I vividly remember when my parents turned 40.   I remember when all of my aunts and uncles turned 40.  I am sure it’s awfully strange that their daughter and niece is turning 40 today!

So many people have a hard time with 40.  Lots of people stop at 39 and continue to tell people they are 39 many years later.  I won’t be one of those forever stuck at 39.   I’m pretty happy to be 40.

There aren’t too many occasions in life that make you look at your whole life lived and the next half of your life.   We Canadians tend to believe we will all live well into our 80’s.   Almost all of my great-grandparents and grandparents have lived well into their 90’s.   My grandparents are still alive and I have had the amazing opportunity to witness them holding and spending time with MY grandchildren.   That is something not many get to experience and I’m so thankful.

I’ve got 3 grandchildren so far and they are so fun.   When I think I could have another 40 years or more to go and we have 8 kids we could end up with a whole army of grandchildren and great grandchildren.   So crazy to imagine.

I am so happy that I have my health, my huge family and tons of friends.   I have done a lot in my 40 years and I’m proud of all of it and even the parts maybe not so proud of I know they have shaped me.

I am thankful for all those who have encouraged, taught, inspired and lifted me.   I would not be where I am today if not for you.

I am really excited to see what things God puts in my path.   I have always let Him take the wheel as dear Carrie would say.   I drive and He steers.   Some days, I like to think I have my life in my control and then just when I think I am making a good plan He throws me for a loop and spins the car around.   God is funny like that.  The best part about fully acknowledging the fact that we don’t get to control the world is you get to embrace the adventure.    I love adventure.   I love new sights, sounds, people and knowledge.

I am most thankful for my husband who has been with me for over half of my life.   I can’t believe I can say that now.   That’s crazy in itself.  To do life with someone great, someone you love, someone who supports you is fantastic.   I couldn’t have done everything I have so far without him.   As he likes to say, “I am the canvas and she is the colour.”   I love that we pair so well.  I hope to see all of my kids find their colour to their canvas (or vice versa).

The more I write the more excited I get for the next 40 years.   But when you think of the next 40 years, you have to think about the possibility that there may not be 40 more.   I could die tonight choking on my birthday dinner.   I could have a heart attack.   Anything can happen but know that when I go, I will be so happy to be in the place where all the true Jesus lovers go.   I know that heaven is pain free, and there will be no children suffering there so I know that place will be so much better than here.   None of us are guaranteed tomorrow.   I will choose to make everyday the best day.   I hope that you can look back on the last part of your life and see all the good things you have done.   May you see the brightness in your future no matter where you are and live each day with purpose.

SDG