Forty-Five

Alive.

Living.

Thriving.

Wealthy in the ways that matter most to me. Lifted by a love that I have yet to understand.

Grateful to know the depths of my own heart, which has been mysterious to me for the better part of those forty-five years.

The girl in this photo couldn’t have known the road ahead of her, and if she had she likely would have run the other direction as fast as her little feet would take her.

But I thank God for all of my days, every broken moment, every unspeakable joy, and all of the in-between.

I told a friend this morning that this has been one of my best years, which I know seems strange and ridiculous. But it’s true. The stillness, the stripping away, and the loss. I wouldn’t choose them, they haven’t felt good. But they have grown me and allowed for a strengthening of my spirit that I’ve never known before.

She told me I’ve always been “a little sideways.” She’s right.

Forty-five is being more than okay with that.

Here’s to today, this moment right now. We are promised nothing more.