Exactly one year ago from today (on my 29th birthday) I wrote a post titled, Embrace Your Age. Since that post I bet you’ve all been sitting on the edge of your seats waiting to hear if I would feel the same way about aging as I enter this fourth decade of my life…sense the sarcasm.

Do I still feel we should all embrace our age or am I flippin’ freaking out that I’m no longer in my twenties?! I’ve now entered “The Thirty Club.”

The truth is, my life has been upside down lately and there have been a few moments in which I started to psych myself out about turning 30 and not yet being quite where I had envisioned I would be – personally, spiritually, professionally, and geographically. After running through a short list of “what-ifs,” “I should by nows” and selling myself short, I can’t help but realize how ridiculous all of those thoughts are.

I’d rather choose to recognize how truly blessed I am.

Most importantly, I am a child of the one true King. He has blessed me far more than I deserve. His love and mercy is all that I ever need. The rest of my life is just details. If I just place my trust in the Lord, taking action when He shows me the way and waiting patiently when He halts my plans, then I know I can’t go wrong. “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope.” [Jeremiah 29:11] We don’t need to know the plan or see the ending of our story in order to trust the journey.

Today, at 30 years old, I’m grateful to be where I am and experiencing life with those around me. I know time and circumstances change and as they do I will never get the opportunity to relive these exact moments ever again. So often we let life rush by as we look to the future or get caught up in the past. Today and every day live in the moment – good or bad. Each moment shapes and molds you into the person you must become in order to be able to handle your future.

Why do we give ourselves and others an imaginary timeline in which to live by? Why do we measure ourselves in accordance with this imaginary timeline? Each life is uniquely designed, with unique experiences, circumstances, and relationships. Erase your preconceived timeline and instead ENJOY exactly where you are in life. Much joy is lost by wishing away time and circumstances. Embrace the journey.

Celebrate your entrance into the thirty club or fifty club or ninety club or whatever “club” you are entering. Show your age who’s boss!