12/3/08

a new decade


"Too often we are so preoccupied with the destination, we forget the journey."


I’ve got about 12 hours left of my third decade on this earth.  It’s odd to be able to count off my life in decades (I don’t think most people do), but it’s kind of cool at the same time.

 

Like I said I’ve still got a little bit of time left so it’s tough to get nostalgic or reflective yet.  I mean, a lot could happen between now and 9:12 tomorrow morning (mostly sleeping I hope).

 

Still, the twenties for me were pretty much constantly in motion.  I really don’t have the knack for staying put for too long.  I think that’s slowly changing.  This past year of totally rearranging my life was much harder than I expected.  I’m not as nimble as I was at 21.

 

Ironically I find myself at the end of this decade pretty much where I started.  Single, in school, working at a restaurant, really involved with church and really excited about the future.

 

Hard to believe it took ten years and a paradigm shift to be back on track.

 

Not that I have too many regrets about my twenties, because I don’t.  I’ve learned a lot (mostly the hard way).

 

The one underlying theme that I see in these last ten years is this:  I am blessed.

 

I have an amazing family that loves me very much and I love them.  Friends that have lasted and others that I have crossed paths with and journeyed for a time with at what seemed like just the right moment in my life.  For all of them, I am grateful and I know that I am blessed.

 

Mostly, I look back and see my path with God.  While I have not always understood the whys and the hows of my relationship with Him (sometimes purposefully ignoring it), I have always known that I when I wanted to, I could feel His love.  For that, I am certainly blessed.

 

So here’s to my twenties and everyone in them! And here’s to kicking off my fourth decade, with hope and excitement for the adventures to come!  Slainte!   

2 comments:

Steve (ps403) said...

Nate, happy b-day. 30 is the new 20, and I'm enjoying my 30's much more than my 20's.

Loved your point about being blessed. It's so true...that's a great theme.

Many blessings for the coming year!

MAMA CEO said...

Happy Birthday!!!!!!