Time Flies and Feeling Young

Another year has passed. I remember hearing my parents or aunts and uncles saying that the older you get, the faster time flies. It's true! Now, I'm one of the older folks saying the exact same thing. Where did 2014 go! 

Just like when I was raising our kids, parents who had college-age kids or older would watch me run after our four and tell me, Enjoy them now because the years go by fast! At the time, I felt like those toddler years were never going to end. Now we have seven grandchildren, and another one due in a few weeks! Those older folks knew what they were talking about! Where did the last 35 years go! Now, there I go, I'm one of the older folks looking back on life. 

My birthday comes just two weeks before the new year. So, my birthday, Christmas, and the New Year all seem to roll into one, but I do love that I get to celebrate my birthday among twinkling lights and silent nights and anticipation. I may be even more mindful of another passing year when I just added another year to my life, another number up the decade-scale. And, this year was no different. Fifty . . . nine. Nine! And, as the old folks say, How did this happen? The end of a decade. You're only as young as you feel, so the saying goes. 

And so, as I reflect on 2014, I'm sure these are the things that keep me feeling young :) 

• The ability to travel with my hubby to amazing places in the world where I get to hear stories about the gospel going forth and people being made new.

• Hiking to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. This one might have aged me with the wear and tear of a 20-mile round trip, but what an amazing experience! 

• Hanging out with my kids and grands. I love being with my kids as much as being with our grandchildren. Some say that grandchildren are a second chance for getting it right, or that there's something magical about the love for grandchildren, but I don't need a second chance and my love for both stretches wide and my pride goes high. 

• Moments when God is near. Like my New Zealand coffee shop experience, and a book by one of my favorite authors who always has just the right words for me. 

• Being ordained. This was more meaningful than I anticipated. I loved my studies that got me to this place, but most of all I've appreciated those who supported me and believed in me as I walked the process to be ordained. 

I'm anticipating 2015 with great joy and anticipation! 

• Another grandchild is just around the corner. 
• Time with family. 
• I'm calling this year, The Year of the Book, as I'm working on writing a book. 
• More travels to new and now familiar places in the world. 
• More moments where God reveals himself in new and fresh ways.