Thirsty-First Year

I was with my awesome grandma last weekend. As usual, I left thinking about just how much wisdom she has, how much life she's lived, how much we all love her, and how beautiful she truly is.  My mom, my aunt, my grandma and I sat around my grandma's kitchen in small town Iowa, talking about the craziness of growing older.  Grandma said something to the effect of, "Oh, I know!  Sometimes I look in the mirror and I think, 'Who is that old woman looking back at me?  That can't be me.  83?  No.  I don't feel a bit like 83.'"

I smile now, thinking of how she shook her head, how she really just couldn't believe that so many years had gone by.  And it's so true, isn't it?  We never really feel "grown up."

Monday I turned 31.  I was awakened by the sound of giggling little children, dressing up in their "finest" to celebrate my birthday.  Tali had on a cute brown dress that she knows I like.  Owen put on khakis, an orange plaid shirt, his red Christmas vest, and of course his yellow suspenders.  When I went to change Addie Beth she said, "Mama!  I can't be wearin' pajamas for your birthday party!"  Adorable.

We all went out for the morning; Josh and the kids had planned to take me out for a "surprise" birthday lunch to Noodles and Company.  (I say "surprise" because Owen kept saying, "Mom, it doesn't have anything to do with noodles.  Nope.  We're not going to be doing anything with noodles for your birthday!")  After lunch the kids sang to me at the top of their lungs, completely unaware of anyone else in the restaurant.  I loved it.

(Sugared-up after the tasty Swirls Cupcakes we brought with us to Noodles)

When we got back home, I had some surprise cards stuck in my door (thank you, McRosties!), was blessed by lots of birthday wishes on FB and email, and talked with incredible family on the phone.

My dear friend, Karen came over to babysit and also blessed me with a thoughtful gift.  Then, as Josh and I were leaving to go out for dinner, my "like a sister" friend, Angie, brought me some homemade flourless chocolate cake.  (My fave!  And yes, I did lick the plate when it was done.)  So many blessings in one day. :)

We headed to dinner (tasty non-raw fish sushi...the only sushi this midwestern girl can handle) and I talked and talked while Josh listened and listened.  (He's had laryngitis so I've done lots of talking lately and he's done lots of listening.  Pretty fun, actually.)

My favorite part of the dinner was when he gave me a sweet note he'd written me.  The most memorable line? Hands down, "What do I pray in anticipation of your thirsty-first year?" :)  I'm still laughing about it because my husband is meticulous about his grammar and spelling.

But I also decided that calling this my "thirsty-first year" is a pretty awesome label.  That's what I want for this year.  I want to be a thirsty one.  I want to be thirsty for the things that matter.  I've already lived a lot of my life and I don't want to waste it.  I want to be thirsty this year.  Thirsty for more of Jesus.  Thirsty for appreciating my husband more.  Thirsty for enjoying my kids.  Thirsty for loving my family and friends and thirsty for serving even when it hurts.  Thirsty for living for what's eternal and lasting and not for what never satisfies.

Because 31 will turn into 81 in the blink of an eye.  And I'm already looking in the mirror like Grandma, thinking, "Who is that woman looking back at me?  That can't be me.  No.  I don't feel a bit like 31."

Thirsty-one.  So far I'm loving it.