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Thursday, October 6, 2011

The one where she turns 50

Wow.  I'm 50 years old today.  A half century.   I thought I would feel, I don't know... older or something. But, I just feel good.  Happy and at peace.

My forties were amazing.  I really enjoyed that decade, so much more than I thought I would.  I finally learned what the term "coming of age" means.  I came of age.  I found myself.  I found my passions and began to follow them.  I grew in stature and in wisdom.  Yes, I have new wrinkles, but they're mostly laugh lines, so I really don't mind.  Thanks to my hair guy, you don't see my gray.  I've become an old broad, and I really love it.  I'm surrounded by love and laughter.  People who know me, but love me in spite of that.  Friends and family who pray for me daily and who make me laugh.  Who could ask for more?

One month from today, I'll check off a huge item on my bucket list, I will run the New York City marathon.  My first.  To say I am excited would be a gross understatement.  I'm nearly beside myself with giddiness and nerves.  Fear and doubt.  Peace and panic.  It's all there, at war inside my head.  I will be glad when the day arrives, I've planned and trained forever, it seems.  But, I'll be sad as well.  There's only one first time.

I have a race plan.  Here it is:  enjoy every single moment.  This one will be super slow, partly from necessity, but also because I don't want to miss anything.  I want to experience every sight, smell, sound, and feeling.  When my legs start hurting, I'll slow it down some.  When they feel a little better I'll speed back up.  It's now that I'm particularly thankful that Jeff Galloway has found a place in my life.  His training is second to none.  His patience and insight are invaluable.  But, I'm even more thankful for my man, Gary. He has been the best cheerleader, pit crew, encourager, problem solver, training run planner, and motivator ever.  He even taught me how to tape my toes to avoid the blisters that make me lose toenails.  Of course, he gave me that info after I lost the same toenail twice, but I'm still grateful.  He has believed in me when doubt nearly overwhelmed me.  I couldn't do any of it without him.

Fifty.  At that age, my mom was a new student at the University of Southern Mississippi.  She went on to get a degree and start a second career as an educator.  She's one of my heroes.  Proof positive that you're never too old to learn.  It's never too late to start.  I love that legacy.   I've never felt that there was anything I couldn't do.  I hope I pass that legacy on to my girls.

I posted my birthday wishes earlier this week, and I really don't have a lot to add.  Only that this new decade, my fifties, be filled with more love and laughter.  That I'll be a stronger prayer warrior, more filled with faith.  That I'll set a better example for my family.  That I'll be a better listener, learn to keep my mouth shut when  I need to.  That I will be the woman God designed me to be, and learn to hear His voice more clearly.  That the blessing of all these years that God has granted me will be wisdom and understanding.



Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? Job 12:12





3 comments:

  1. Sorry, I was with you until you said, "learn to keep my mouth shut," then, I just lost it!
    Love you!!!!

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  2. Happy Birthday, Jayne! Proud of you. Thanks for a great post.

    Mary

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  3. Don't laugh, Amanda. That could happen.

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