This is 40.

It’s wearing my favorite shirt with that reminder from God that I need everyday, not just today.

It’s a free venti latte.

It’s scouring all the apps to see who else will give me free food/drinks.

It’s birthday greetings via email from the mortgage company, credit union and insurance company. A reminder that I am definitely an adult and most everything is not free.

It’s turning on the radio and hearing nostalgic Christmas music, and embracing it in the moment.  

It’s cards, texts and precious gifts from family and friends that remembered me today.

It’s worship, devotion, conversation and a meal with dear ministry friends.

It’s coming home to find a video on social media of my husband wrapping a pair of left-handed scissors just for me!

It’s picking out a slice (or two) of my favorite sweet desserts at the grocery store later this evening.  

It’s a reminder that it’s been a full, and challenging 10 years, even though they shaped who I am today.

It’s movement towards a new decade and a future that is hopeful in the midst of a dark world.

It’s determination to not give up, but to love others, speak up and make change for the better.

It’s getting the house ready for workers to come in the morning to replace our furnace.

It’s gratitude for the gift of heat and accepted loans.

It’s a reminder that the days keep coming and the time keeps flying by.