It has come...I have arrived

30.

That big number that I've been sliding to (according to my brother) for the last decade.

30.

  It's here.  And it is strange.

  Not strange bad.  I'd much rather be 30 than 20 again.  And not strange because its so diametrically different than my 20's.  I didn't wake up wiser, or stronger or more courageous on the morning of September 12th.  I woke up the same old Megan.  Late for work, with my lunch packed in a plastic shopping bag.

  Its strange, because I woke up happy and content.

  Not that I was unhappy, or discontent before.  Not at all.  29 was a fabulous year.  Probably the best on record.

  The happiness and contentment came for a sense of arriving.  I want to be here.  I want to be 30.  I'm not waiting anymore for the important birthday to come.  I'm not constantly looking towards the future when I believe I will 'arrive'.  To be really touchy feely, its like I've arrived in the meadow of a quiet and peaceful valley in my age where I can rest and be satisfied.  There is a big sigh as my body relaxes, followed by a little smile to myself.

  Now that does not mean I have come into an easier season of life than I have been in before.  Life recently has been hard and really stressful (from good stress and bad).  And I'm really tired.  But there is a sense that I have now that I didn't have before that I am going to be ok.  By God's grace I am no plagued by the same fears and insecurities I had in my 20's.  I've learned how to get out of my own way.  Again, by God's grace, I've learned more and more the truth of the statement, "You are much worse than you think you are, but you are also much better that you think you are."  And it gives me peace.

  Maybe that's it.  30 comes with peace.  The peace that the Lord tells us passes all understanding.  And it truly does.

  So here's to you 30.

  A good year with the promise of much work, but also much joy.  I look forward to you with a peace and contentment of someone who's learned a little bit more of what it means to laugh at the days to come.

  Soli Deo Gloria.

And for your viewing pleasure, a picture of an incredibly beautiful man that I can't wait to see in 54 days!