33 Things I Want To Remember in My 33rd Year

Today I turn 33 years old. Life keeps on keeping on, no? Year 32 marked my hardest yet, but even still, it has been a year of lots of joy and lots of good and lots of growth.

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So for today, a list of 33 things I want to remember heading into my 33rd year:

1. Laughter can bring hope and healing. Laugh often.
2. Comparison not only steals my joy but it taints my soul.
3. I am the most content when I keep my eyes moving up and down, not side to side.
4. There is a difference between being busy and being in a hurry.
5. Always say yes to spontaneous coffee dates.
6. Death might take a life but it is not the end of the story.  
7. Sometimes the to-do list, the laundry, the dishes, and various self imposed "tasks," can wait. 
8. Online communities are amazing, but they will never replace real life friendships. 
9. God is always good to me. His goodness is not dependent on my circumstances. 
10. There is no timeline for grief, no clear cut formula or grief map detailing just how long one walks this road. Be gentle with myself and with others who are grieving. 
11. When a friend is hurting, just show up.   
12. Haagen-Dazs Peanut Butter Pie is worth every penny (and every calorie). 
13. Sometimes God asks us to walk the desert but He never asks us to walk alone. 
14. Life isn't always black and white. Sometimes there is some grey. Embrace the grey. 
15. Peace doesn't mean the absence of pain. 
16. Faith doesn't mean I will always understand. 
17. Don't forget the powerful friend and guide that is the Holy Spirit. He is a gift. Tap into Him.
18. When I accept Satan's lies as better, I am choosing to miss out on God's best.
19. Toddlers are crazy. The End. 
20. For The Love by Jen Hatmaker is golden. Read and re-read and re-read. 
21. Light always wins. Darkness tries to overcome, but light always wins. 
22. Letting my kids play in the rain is always worth the mess. 
23. There is a difference in being happy and being joyful. 
24. I never regret a workout. 
25. There are days when small children temporarily lose their mind. It's not me. It's them. 
26. God always meets me in my pain, but I must extend the invitation. 
27. Arts and crafts and like things are not my gifts. Just say no. 
28. Social media breaks are so good for my mind and my soul. 
29. My response to disappointment says a lot to others about what I believe about God. 
30. If I pray for patience, don't be surprised when God grants me opportunities to live out said patience. (Aka witching hour. Every. Single. Day.)
31. People will never meet all of my needs. If they could, there would be no need for my God. 
32. Stop. Slow down. Look people in the eye. 
33. God can use a tiny life to change, for the better, a small corner of the world. 

Thank you, God, for another year to enjoy your rich blessings and the opportunity to grow and walk with you through whatever highs and lows you place in my path. May I welcome your path, wherever it leads. 

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