And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. --Romans 8:28
Hopefully you all don't mind a more personal blog this week. Tomorrow is my birthday (I'll be 26, woo), and I've been very reflective leading up to it (I'm always reflective leading up to my birthday).
I remember a time when I hated my birthday. The night before, I always cried myself to sleep because I loathed the idea of getting older.
Thank goodness this routine stopped around nineteen, and since then I have always genuinely looked forward to being a year older. I think there is great power when you realize the things you learn during each age, and as much as we don't like it, the harder the lesson, the more impactful it usually is.
So no surprise, I am so excited to turn 26. I believe the really hard things I went through in 25 helped prepare me for 26, and I have some big dreams for this year. But something I have also been praying about is that I would find joy and confidence in year 26, whether it's a year of abundant change, or another year of preparation.
I believe the Lord will always provide for my needs, and I need to remind myself daily of this when I get overwhelmed and try to fix everything in life all at once. I know the Lord provides the right things at the right time.
If I described 25 in one word, I would say "refining." I've mentioned it before that God really stripped away all familiarity and comfort this year, but I also know that if He hadn't, these Pinterest-sounding lessons I'm about to share would've remained just that-- carrying no weight.
I'm not going to elaborate on each one in this thought post; I'll probably write on selective ones over time, but if you're cooler and older and wiser than me and already know the things I'm about to share, that's great but remember that everyone learns things on their own unique timeline.
So, what did I learn in year 25?
If God is all that I have, then I have all that I need.
Life is more peaceful when things are kept private
Love everyone, trust only a few
Change doesn't happen overnight
Having discipline & a budget actually changes^ things
Growing & healing can often feel like breaking
Healing only happens by feeling
Heal from the things you'll never hear a "sorry" for
Growth and change are painful, but nothing is more painful than staying stuck somewhere you don't belong
Don't be bothered by people who think they know you better than you do
So many people love you, so why focus on those who don't
Let go of the illusion that it could have been any different
If it costs you your peace, it's too expensive
Do it for you
Some things break your heart but fix your vision
Failure is part of success
If it's a big deal to you, then it's a big deal
Set goal(s) that make you want to jump out of bed in the morning
Workout because you love your body, not because you hate it
Brave people are born in the fire
You're only as pretty as you treat people
Your value doesn't change whether it's seen or not
You will get there, but today you are here; and right here is wonderful
25 was without a doubt very hard, but as a wise woman once told me, "God is more concerned about what you learn and do with hard situations than the situations themselves." (Joni Eareckson Tada)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. --Romans 8:28
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