Cheers to 35

Earlier this month, I celebrated my 35th birthday. It is hard to believe that I am in my mid-thirties, with forty creeping closer than ever before. But here we are. If there is anything I have learned in my thirties, it is that life is hard, but God is good. Cliche as it may sound, God’s goodness has been a golden thread woven into every part of my story. I’m guessing you may be able to say the same, if you look closely enough. 

I make it a tradition to write down a gratitude list for my birthday based on how many years the Lord has given me. This is what I have to be thankful for this year:

  • God’s unfailing love and faithfulness

  • My patient and kind husband

  • My miracle babies of the womb

  • My miracle daughter of my heart who was supernaturally ordained to be mine

  • Our beautiful home

  • Our amazing church family

  • New friends

  • Old friends

  • Long-distance and online friends

  • New writing opportunities

  • Better and deeper intimacy with Ror at almost 8 years married

  • God’s incredible provision 

  • The privilege of coaching women

  • More healing–emotionally, physically, spiritually–as I go deeper with the Lord

  • Our new Life Group at church

  • Walking the Peachtree Road Race coming up with my sister

  • Our sweet kitty, Jax

  • Voxer conversations

  • Growing as a writer, speaker, and coach

  • My new podcast venture

  • Rory’s aunt lives in Georgia now

  • Incredible family reunion/trip to Florida with Ror’s fam

  • Reconnection with old friends

  • Rediscovering cross stitching

  • The art of sourdough

  • Learning to bake yummy treats and becoming more comfortable with baking

  • Back to strength training/Pilates

  • Evening walks after dinner with the fam/by myself after bedtime

  • Our DIY kitchen reno

  • The Word of God

  • Learning to forgive and let go

  • My dad’s thoughtful birthday gift

  • A day to write at the tiny house 

  • Our neighbors

  • The joy of reading fiction

Do you have a tradition of making a gratitude list on your birthday? Is it something you would like to try? I know that for me, the habit of reflecting on my birthday helps me think through what I have to be grateful for, but also where I want to go in the next year! I’d love to know what you’re grateful for.

Jessica MathisenComment