Turning Thirty

 

 

Somewhere in time, in a few weeks, my niece is turning thirty.  I have had nieces and nephews before her that have reached this pinnacle, but they didn’t announce it.  In my mind, none of my nieces or nephews are over thirty.  I cap the oldest one at twenty-nine, or I did until my niece reminded me this group of precious people are growing up and growing older.

Thirty is a milestone.  We face milestones at different times in our lives.  Special birthdays and major events can all lead to a time of reflection or a time of planning ahead.  With this can come anxiety or joy, depending on the thoughts entertained. This is a time to decide if what we have accomplished this far is what we wanted to accomplish and also set a course for the future.  All of this is good, but ultimately, God has a plan for us also.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

With my niece, she is a ray of sunshine in the lives of all who know her.  I’m not sure if she is looking forward or backward at this milestone of her life, but I know the plan God has for her life is something special.

Thirty years ago, a song was written with the title, “Turning Thirty”, by a young songwriter named Randy Stonehill.  In honor of my niece who is turning thirty, I have tweaked the words of this thirty year old song for her.

 

I’ve got a place near the ocean
Where the rent is way too high
I love to watch the ships come in
And hear the seagulls cry
But lately I’ve been taking stock

Of all that I’ve been through
Oh tomorrow is my birthday
Feels funny but it’s true
I'm turning thirty

Now I’ve got a spouse who really love me
He makes my life so sweet
And a little fluffy doggy
Who plays games around my feet
And my world is very different
From those lazy single years
But if I had the chance to go back
I'd rather stay right here
Turning thirty

I have friends who care about me
They’re the best I’ve ever had
And they always stood beside me
If ever times got bad
And I love to read a good book
Even when I don’t have time
I prefer my kindle to the nook
One download and it’s mine
Turning thirty

Well, now thirty ain’t like fifteen
And it’s not like twenty-five
My ankle’s a little stiff

But there’s no lines around my eyes
I’ve still got my energy
And I’ve got beautiful hair
I'm not too old to rock ‘n roll
And I’m not really scared
Of turning thirty

Happy Birthday! I love you.