Well, it's coming in 2 days. Of course, I've been thinking on it for much longer than that. I found this interesting quote by C.S. Lewis:
"Thirty was so strange for me. I've really had to come to terms with the fact that I am now a walking and talking adult".
Well, that doesn't really sum it up for me so much, but interesting nonetheless. I think I've been feeling like a walking and talking adult for a while now, but there is still something strange about being thirty. Today a very rude man demanded "how old are you?" when I asked him if he'd ever shopped in our store before (a general question I ask often during checkout). I was stunned, and taken aback. Perhaps he meant how long had I worked there? "Excuse me?" I asked, trying to sound cheery. He repeated the question, this time emphasizing the word OLD. "Thirty" I said after a pause. "I was shopping here before you were BORN" he grunted. I guess he must have been pretty young when that happened -- perhaps a teenager? (He wasn't a sweet old man).
Why does it bother us to grow older? I feel no different. I don't really look whole lot different. What makes me esteem youth over age? I once heard John Piper point out the ignorance of that kind of worldly thinking -- Scripture blesses and esteems the gray head, doesn't it? Why then, do I so often build in my mind a little worldly idol of staying pretty and young?
Help me think toward 30, here. These past 3 decades have carried along not only change, age and experience, but also MORE of Christ -- His reality, His beauty, His gospel. God has shaped my heart to love him more, to know him more. Won't the coming years bring the same, by His grace? Why would I hesitate for a second to embrace with open arms all that God will bring in my future -- the mercy of knowing Him more and more.
Jim Elliot looked deep into his soul and asked "Can you bear it -- long life?" He died at 27. Can I bear it -- aging well, or dying young -- to the glory of God? Oh God, in the fire of your glory, make me be fuel to the flame!
Why does it bother us to grow older? I feel no different. I don't really look whole lot different. What makes me esteem youth over age? I once heard John Piper point out the ignorance of that kind of worldly thinking -- Scripture blesses and esteems the gray head, doesn't it? Why then, do I so often build in my mind a little worldly idol of staying pretty and young?
Help me think toward 30, here. These past 3 decades have carried along not only change, age and experience, but also MORE of Christ -- His reality, His beauty, His gospel. God has shaped my heart to love him more, to know him more. Won't the coming years bring the same, by His grace? Why would I hesitate for a second to embrace with open arms all that God will bring in my future -- the mercy of knowing Him more and more.
Jim Elliot looked deep into his soul and asked "Can you bear it -- long life?" He died at 27. Can I bear it -- aging well, or dying young -- to the glory of God? Oh God, in the fire of your glory, make me be fuel to the flame!
For me, 30 did make me FINALLY feel like a grown up. I don't know why. I guess just saying "30" sounds so much older than 20something.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Jim Elliot just amazing?
I can't wait to celebrate your birthday with you!!
I love the 30's. I turned 33 this year and FINALLY can see some fruit and growth in my life! It is exciting to see where God is bringing us.
ReplyDeleteHappy B-day!
Hey,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to remind you to bring one of my reading lists books on Sunday. Thanks alot!
~Caitlin
Have a Happy 30th birthday, Gretchen. My 30's were great!! There's alot to be said about the stability of adulthood :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Gret, Happy Birthday to a wonderful daughter. Lots of God's blessings have come over the last 30 years. I am so blessed to have a daughter whose spiritual awakening continues to grow.Miss having you and Josh as part of the ministry here but am thankful for your servants heart.Have a blessed day tomorrow DAD
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't remember when your's was so thanks for mentioning it! Your Dad's comments just brought tears to my eyes. What more could a parent want than to see that their child walks so closely with the Lord.
Thanks for your ever faithful example.
Christen
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Ms. Gretchen, Happy Birthday to you!"
ReplyDeleteSee ya tomorrow!
Love, Caitlin
Let me one who also wishes you all of God's richest blessings on your 30th. Enjoy each day. When are you two coming to Illinois?
ReplyDeleteI hope your day yesterday was great. What did you do to celebrate the big 3-0? I thought about you yesterday and just wanted to let you know you guys are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Sharon
Oh, I missed it! Drat!
ReplyDeleteHappy 30th Gretchen!
Happy Birthday and thanks for the great post!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!! I wish I could be 30 again. :)
ReplyDeleteBig WOOHOO that I finally finished Nicholas Nickleby! Are we going to be able to squeeze in a little coffee talk before the semester begins??
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated 30th Gret! I wish I had found that Lewis quote - it exactly summed up my feelings. And I have been married for 8 years and have 2 kids, but still didn't like the feeling of being a full-fledged adult!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your thoughts on it. Hope your birthday was great.
Happy Happy birthday Gret (sorry I'm late). Elijah and I had the perfect party for you and he this year - STAR WARS!!! Of course, Elijah was very impressed to hear you had a Han Solo doll. You should've seen the Star Wars loot this kid got (along with Cubs stuff - our other passion right now). I should've asked Pastor Scott what his party was like!:)
ReplyDeleteI hear you got to meet up with the girls and do some fun shopping!
It is funny to me that Mrs. McCurdy, Sue Benzing, and I all have the same experience of loving July 26 (and laboring on it!)
Hope you had a FABO day!
Love ya!