31 Reflections on My 31st Birthday
Last year, I shared 30 reflections on my 30th birthday; a list of bite-sized reflections, life-lessons and reasons for gratitude. I enjoyed the process so much that I decided to make it an annual tradition. Penning a similar list for my 31st birthday was tough because 2019 was uncomfortable. My thirties kicked off with me gritting my teeth through physical pain and loss, combating emotional exhaustion, and getting to a point where I stopped praying because I doubted God’s power, goodness and presence in my life.
Although I began writing these reflections from a place of emptiness, God used the process to soothe my mind with truth and to fill my heart with hope. Whether 2019 has been a mountain top experience, or a battle in the valley, it is my hope that these words will encourage you to persevere with faith, love and hope.
31 reflections on my 31st birthday:
- Sunsets and butterflies are proof that endings can be beautiful.
- The opportunity to pursue dreams is a privilege to be thankful for – not a right to be demanded.
- The Resurrection shows us that hard is not always bad, and pain is never purposeless. No matter our current circumstances, it won’t end in ashes.
- The key to contentment is not about lowering expectations, but establishing right expectations: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:3-4
- My inabilities may bruise my ego, but they serve the greater purpose of magnifying God’s power and promises to imperfect people. God’s power is made perfect in human weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)
- Self-sufficiency is never an indicator of spiritual maturity. God describes himself as a ‘Helper’ who sustains, cares and provides for His people from beginning to end.
- In a performance-driven culture, we need leaders who are faithful to both hard-work and Sabbath rest.
- Love is the most excellent spiritual gift. (1 Cor 12:31) No matter your vocation, personality type or qualifications, we’re all called to a life of love.
- Character trumps competency. Knowledge and ministry skills will pass away, but love will remain. (1 Cor 13:8-13)
- “Where love rules, there is no will to power, and where power predominates, love is lacking.” – Carl Gustav Jung. The events of the cross is not a reflection of God’s weakness, rather it shows us the power of a kingdom ruled by love. (Philippians 2:5-8)
- The best parts of me have been shaped by immigrants born outside of privilege.
- Sometimes, the mountains will move, and other times God gives us strength to climb. Either way, God is still powerful, present and good.
- Difference is a good thing. I can surround myself with like-minded people who affirm me in all my prejudices, or ‘as iron sharpens iron’ I can humble myself before my eclectic body of Christ to be sharpened in heart, mind and character.
- No matter my age, I want to keep learning from those who have walked before me.
- I have permission to say ‘no’.
- Being busy doesn’t make you more important or righteous than others. The call to “be still” is a call to faith.
- Happiness is dependent on external circumstances beyond our control. Contentment comes from an internal confidence that Christ is in control, and He is working all things (even really hard things) out for our good. (Romans 8:28)
- Theology is important. Can we love a God we do not know?
- Hope helps us to laugh and love in adversity.
- My life is finite and momentary, but it belongs to the One who is infinite and eternal: The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. – Isaiah 40:8
- Healing takes time. Be patient with grief.
- Maturity takes time. Be patient with growth.
- Forgiveness is a process, not a one-off event. Be patient.
- In 1 Corinthians 13:4, the first descriptor of divine love is that ‘Love is patient’.
- You don’t need to own a lot in order to give a lot.
- Hospitality is not primarily about food, but about making people feel worthy of love, acceptance and a place at the table.
- I can’t always show up for loved ones in crisis, but in prayer, I can entrust them to the One who is always present by His spirit.
- If God is in control of the outcome of my plans, then even my failures and bad decisions can be repurposed for good.
- Stay soft dear heart, hard things break faster.
- “Leave it all in the hands that were wounded for you.” – Elisabeth Elliot
Religion demands performance whereas the gospel empowers surrender. - Stories on this side of eternity will never be perfect, but my faith in the final chapter empowers me to write with hope: ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ – Revelations 21:4
Which reflections encouraged you the most? Let me know in the comments below!
2 Comments
Ebony
These 31 learned things are so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this ❤
Shanti
I was introduced to your honest writing through challies.com towards the mid of 2019. I have thoroughly enjoyed your writing.
“Healing takes time. Be patient with grief.” I needed to hear this.