Today’s my birthday. And while I’m so thankful for this incredible life God has given me, I have to admit—it’s a pretty wild realization that I’m officially halfway through my 50’s. Gulp. How on earth did that happen? Can it really be that a nearby “6…” is waving at me from the not-so-distant future?
I still feel 30 on the inside most days—but then I walk up a flight of stairs and realize I’m not. LOL! But here I am, smack in the middle of a decade I used to think was ancient.
And let’s just talk about this: I’m now living the age of the Golden Girls. (Yep, Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia were in their 50’s.) But can we all agree they looked like they were 75?! Thank the Lord we have better hairdos and fashion these days, because if I had to rock shoulder pads, polyester, and perms to mark this milestone, I’d surely look old(er)! 😂
It’s hard to grasp how quickly the years stack up. But here’s the other side of it: with every year, I can see the beautiful culmination of God-dreams evolving before my very eyes—well, the eyes that now need readers. LOL!
And since we’re talking birthdays, let me just confess this: tonight I’m eating a Dairy Queen Peanut Butter Blast and I’m not counting calories. Nope. Noom has officially given me a treat day. Woohoo! No scale today either—although let’s be real, whatever I do today will reveal itself on tomorrow’s scale. But, that’s tomorrow’s problem. 😂
The truth is, birthdays are mile markers. They remind us not only of where we’ve been but also of the faithfulness of the One who’s carried us every step of the way. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” That verse hits different when you start realizing the days really are adding up.
But instead of “Oh no, I’m getting older”, I’m choosing thankfulness.
Every wrinkle? A reminder of laughter and life lived (the difficult and the lovely).
Every ache? Proof of strength built through storms (and that I had 3 children).
Every candle on the cake? A testimony of God’s sustaining grace
Every Peanut Butter Blast? A reminder that joy can be found in ice cream! ha!
I may be halfway through my 50’s, but I believe the best is still ahead. And I am determined to step into it with courage, joy, and a faith that keeps believing—because I know God is not done with me yet. Honestly, it feels like we’re just getting started, and I can’t wait to see what’s up ahead!
Today, as I eat the cake (and the ice cream), I’m declaring this prayer of gratitude:
“Lord, thank You for the years behind me and the ones still ahead. Thank You for dreams You’ve breathed into my heart and the ways You’re still unfolding them. Teach me to number my days, not with fear, but with wisdom, joy, and expectation of all You’re still going to do.”
So, while I am climbing up the ‘age’ ladder, I’m focusing more on the life I’m living, blessed to have such an amazing husband, beautiful kids and grandchildren that make my heart burst with love, family, church family, ministry, my day job and beyond…. instead of the actual number. Kind of the same with my scale. LOL!
C’mon 55, we’re going to have some fun this year!
Tracee
P.S. This has got to be the funniest birthday card I’ve received this year!! Thank you, Savannah for the HILARIOUS laugh!
