Fabulous Thirty

I have embraced this "being 30" thing and think it's fabulous. I'm not so wet-behind-the-ears, though I'm still naïve to the more depraved things of this world. And I don't mind - I'll live just fine without knowing! I've begun to understand more of life, and am beginning to enjoy it more. I'm accomplished, and finally feel that way. I feel the grace of God moving across my life, and I'm okay with Him navigating it. He never gives us anything more than we can bear, and doesn't want us to fail. I think I have just had this fascination with 30 - societal milestone that it is. To the very young, I'm "old" - ha! Who can imagine what your life is like years from now? You could be so different from what you ever imagined. Death is creeping on the sidelines, and you begin to be more at peace with it. It is a part of life, and for those that live fully and righteously, it is just the beginning of something else more wonderful. What is there to fear, really, of death? My father's cousin passed away this week at 62 years of age. He had a history of heart problems, but still lived a full life. I feel sad because it comes amid a joyous week for me; I had only recently met him last year and he was a good man. But the refiner of silver and gold has finished molding him and hopefully saw his image in the metal, and has removed him from this fire. I am beginning to understand how my parents are dealing with death looming all around - between their parents, friends, and other loved ones passing away in the last few years, it is not so shocking anymore to hear of someone dying. It's not quite a comfort, but rather acceptance and familiarity with death that comes with age. Yes, the loss is still there, but they are increasingly better equipped to cope. And the hope that comes with their faith lends a big hand, too. Maturity is a good thing; it brings peace of mind when you need it the most. So, bring on the years, God willing. You cannot put a price on peace of mind.