25


Well, today I turn 25. I know I’m still young, no worries.
(This isn’t going to be a sad gripe-fest. Really.)
But I also know that I’m no longer in my early 20’s

And my baby turns 1 in a few weeks.
I suppose I am officially, undeniably an adult.

I remember being in various classes or church services or leadership conferences and them always asking you “Where do you want to be when you’re 25?”

And they were always saying things like “If you’re going to go anywhere you need to make goals.”

Then they would always tell some sad story about how they didn’t—usually involved drugs or a decision not to go to college or some such.

And then they tried to scare you into being a good, successful person.

So, today, I’m looking back.
I set goals. And, truly by the grace of God, I think I’ve done pretty well.

We all have regrets, but I can honestly say mine aren’t many.

Maybe this is more for the young ones out there—know that it can be done. Against all odds and opposition, it can be done.

There was one thing I held close to my heart often when I was growing up.

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Not that you may care much—but I decided to just list a few things off the top of my head that I would say are “Bucket List” material…and it’s my birthday. I can toot my own horn a little bit if I want, I suppose.
Saw the Pyramids
Visited a Leper Colony in India
Got Published (…ok, so it’s in the “Journal of Neurochemistry”, but still…AND here’s proof…2nd author- BAM!)
Married the Love of my Life
Became a Mommy
Bought a House
Started Medical School
Played Piano in a Jazz Band
Hiked to a Rainforest in El Salvador (ok it wasn’t much of a hike…but I was still there!)
Studied Arabic…in Egypt
Went on a safari…in South Africa

Yep. I’d say I’ve lived life pretty full so far. What’s funny is that probably half of that wasn’t necessarily written down on a list anywhere. It just kind of happened out of my “live without regrets” mindset.

Use wisdom. Use discernment. But don’t be afraid to go and do.

Try anything once.
You may gag while something is on its way down…
But it sure makes for a good story, good pictures, and a full life.

…maybe this isn’t just for the young. Because it’s never too late to start, either.


11 responses to “25”

  1. Well, Happy Birthday, and you still have so much of life ahead. Now you can make a bucket list for the next 25 years, but add things to it that you can experience with your little one to get their first 25 year bucket list off to an amazing start!

    • Thank you so much! And I am SO very excited to not only share it with the hubby but with my baby girl! Hahaha- she has no idea what awaits her 😉

      • And she will look back when she is older and thank you for every minute of it, even the part when she is a teen and thinks it is all boring (normal attitude, because they can never show mom and dad are really cool…lol).