Yesterday I turned 44. According to Chris and my children, I’m middle aged. Honestly, that was a surprise to me! I’m not sure what age I think middle aged is, but I’m pretty sure it’s not 44, the age I am. And I didn’t ask, but I got the impression they didn’t consider me a brand new middle ager yesterday; I’m not sure when they think I entered middle age and I don’t really think I want to know. So in honor of my 44th birthday it occurred to me, I’ve learned a few things in these 44 years and I thought I would list them out, in no particular order.
44 Things I’ve Learned in 44 Years
1. God is good.
2. Life is hard.
3. Tears can be holy.
4. Laughter really can be good medicine.
5. People will disappoint you.
6. Saying “I’m sorry” goes a long way.
7. There is freedom in proper obedience.
8. Words matter.
9. Say your prayers even when you don’t feel like it.
10. Not everything requires a response.
11. Happiness is an inside job and Joy is a choice.
12. Be very careful what you allow into your mind starting from a very young age.
13. Physical touch is powerful.
14. Most of what you worry about never comes to pass.
15. Don’t argue with a child.
16. You will never regret watching the sun rise or the sun set.
17. Your handwriting will be important to someone some day after you are gone.
18. Keep your camera with you…You can’t take too many pictures…Print your pictures.
19. Learn to be quiet with yourself.
20. Don’t negate someone’s hard work (whether you see it or not) by saying they are “lucky.”
21. Stand up for yourself.
22. Be your children’s voice until they have their own.
23. Trust the promptings of the Holy Spirit inside you…also known as your gut…and don’t excuse those promptings/warnings.
24. Sometimes all you need is a good song turned up loud and the windows rolled down.
25. Use sunscreen.
26. Everyone has a story.
27. Don’t compare others to yourself…or yourself to others.
28. Everyone is fighting a battle, even if it doesn’t look like it…sometimes especially when it doesn’t look like it.
29. Don’t keep score…you’ll end up losing.
30. You don’t have to be around hurtful people/family…but you do have to pray for them.
31. God answers prayers even when it doesn’t look like what you prayed for.
32. Don’t let your mind wander too far or too long.
33. The devil really does want to kill, steal and destroy.
34. Don’t let your emotions rule you.
35. Assume the best and forgive the worst.
36. Everything we do has a consequence–good or bad.
37. If you don’t like and trust your doctor, switch, they work for you.
38. Don’t let the idea of “perfect” become the enemy of the good.
39. Put a pretty sounding set of wind chimes on your porch.
40. Dirty laundry and dishes multiply.
41. If you don’t like something change it or accept it, but don’t complain about it.
42. You may be the only one who believes in your dream, that’s ok.
43. A bubble bath can solve a world of problems.
44. We are all creative in our own way–a lovely meal, a beautiful painting, a breath taking photo, an engaging story, a pretty hair-do, a score, a stack of freshly folded towels…because we are made in the image of the ultimate Creator.
Is there anything you would add to my list that you’ve learned?
Stacey says
My father died this past year at the age of 90. He always said middle age was 15 years away….no matter his age! I pray this coming year is a joyous and blessed one for you and that your wisdom continues to grow with time.
Jenny says
I love this; what a wise father! Yes, middle age is definitely 15 years away from whatever age I am! Thank you for your well wishes.
Amanda L. says
Happy Birthday. I turn 44 in May!
Jenny says
Yay! 44 year olds unite!
Margaret Elkins says
Happy Birthday. Beautiful list. I promise 44 is young. I am in my 60’s and when I look back I wish I had known how young I was. Enjoy every day. I love your writing.
Jenny says
Thank you Margaret. I totally understand. I look back at me in my 20’s and think “Girl…”
Carol Stevenson says
Your list projects an amazing amount of wisdom, especially for your “young” age. I wasn’t even going to read this but something prompted me to and am I glad I did. I took many more than your ears to learn all these lessons. You’ve challenged me to think what I might add..Thinking………………………………..
Jenny says
Oh thank you Carol! Since writing the list I’ve though of a couple more things I would add. One of them is “Be kind to yourself.” This is so true and I love the Andrew Peterson song encouraging the same, http://amzn.to/1TOhfid
Betsy says
I love this and I’m printing out your list to bring to prayer time this week. I’m about your same age and there is beauty in realizing how much wisdom we’ve received along the way. God’s grace is amazing. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Jenny says
Oh my goodness, not only is His grace amazing, it’s overwhelming! I’m glad there was something in my list you liked.
Dawn says
Happy Birthday, Jenny! I love this list! As always, thank you for your honesty, inspiration and encouragement. Just putting yourself “out there” is a challenge with all the day-to-day that goes on, and even when you don’t think your message is encouraging (but frequently it is!), please know that it encourages many of those who are right where you are – – – to keep on going…because God loves us and He is faithful. Thanks again – hope your birthday was amazing!
Jenny says
What sweet encouragement, thank you so much Dawn!
Michelle says
Happy Birthday Jenny. This list is excellent and totally refrigerator worthy.
Entering middle aged was/is hard for me and especially when my face started to really show it or I was mistaken for a grandmother when out with my toddler. I’ve had to revisit where true beauty comes from and that things like health, youth, beauty, homes, cars, etc. are important, but nothing is more important than how we’ve loved.
And that love is a decision. Feelings aren’t facts.
Happy New Year!
Jenny says
So much wisdom in your comment Michelle. Yes, I have started to notice my skin is not as smooth or firm. I have noticed I looked a little older more days than not. But I am so thankful to be in this place, at this age. I have a feeling yo feel the same way. And yes, how we’ve loved, that is the true litmus test. And learning that feeling aren’t facts…HUGE impact on my life.
Kaethe P says
Everyone has something to teach us!
Jenny says
Absolutely and Amen!