Christmas time is here, and for me, so is my birthday! Every birthday I think about my entire year, and how I have grown as a person. I also ask myself different questions, like, “Do I really look older? Is that an early on stage of under eye wrinkles, or just college? How am I different? And why in the heck did I ever date that person?" Yes, we all make those mistakes. But this year, my highlight is being able to “feel 22” - Taylor Swift-style… and I will be singing the song literally ALL DAY.
Sorry not sorry, Mom and Dad - you asked for it.
Birthdays were never a huge deal. It always seemed to be just another day in the life. I never expected a huge celebration because I sincerely view every day as a day of growth and to better myself. Life is a funny thing that involves rollercoaster rides and rolling with the punches.
However cynical I may seem, I do get excited because it is another entire year I get to look at and remember. It is really amazing how much can change within a year when you think about it.
So as my birthday and Christmas commence, I am grateful for a lot of things. The small things in life can really be the big things. I think the greatest lesson I have learned beyond everything else this year is the importance of seeing the big picture, despite the tiny details of life that don’t always matter.
The simple things are sometimes the big things, beautifully disguised as less than what they are in humankind’s eyes. Romans 12:2 is one of my favorite verses, which says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This verse is the epitome of what I have continued to develop and learn in 2015, and will continue to apply in the upcoming year of 2016 and beyond. The world seems to be exploding everywhere when you turn on the news, or read any publication, but it will always be crazy. I think at the end of the day we all need to realize there is more to life than the agenda driven arguments that we see in the media and around the world in politics and such. There is so much to be grateful for, rather than complaining about everyone and everything.
So as you reflect on your year during this Christmas season, remember the good and recognize the mistakes to not repeat again, but more importantly let it grow you and enjoy the experience.
Sometimes not knowing what’s next is just the right feeling.
As for me, it feels like one of those nights, where we all dress up like hipsters, make fun of our exes and eat breakfast at midnight. Feeling 22 all of a sudden.
