Yesterday I “celebrated” my 50th birthday. In the months leading up to the dreaded day, I knew I might be bummed about it, so I decided to plan an evening of “Desserts & Dancing” (two of my favorite things) with some of my friends. I figured, if chocolate and dancing wouldn’t chase away the birthday blues, what would? I enjoyed myself, and I think everyone else did, too. My teenage sons even gave line dancing a try!
Both of my parents lived only to 70, so for me there is a somber note to this milestone. Statistically speaking, I have spent 71% of my life. Now, I realize none of us knows the number of our days. I could live longer (Lord willing) or die tomorrow. I’m not trying to be melodramatic or “woe is me,” but instead I’m viewing the day as a good time to stop and think and pray. To look ahead to the next twenty years and plan to do my utmost to make the most of them. To make them count.
No, I don’t enjoy looking in the mirror and seeing the changes there–the “fun” the years are having with my face–adding new lines here and spots there. If I could look at my soul, would I be impressed with the changes there either? I’m not sure I would. So, I plan to begin making healthier choices about what I put in my body. And better choices about how I spend my time, and the care and attention I devote to my God, my husband, my family and friends, and my writing. I want to be worthy of the calling He’s given me. To use the gifts He’s given me wisely and well while I can.
As I sat at my desk writing this post, I wore a mud mask on my face and extra eye cream–hoping to minimize pores and soften lines. If only it were as easy to minimize inner flaws and soften the heart! Guess I need to spend more time in prayer, and less in the salon.
Aging is humbling. And maybe that’s a good thing. Perhaps in my case, a needful thing. I am so glad my writing career and book sales don’t depend on my looks or how well I’m aging! This may sound silly, but I feel sorry for aging actresses who DO rely on their looks, and who sometimes go to such lengths to try to preserve them.
As I turn the big 5-0, I am thankful anew that God has granted the desire of my heart: to become a published author. To write stories that delight readers and, hopefully, Glorify Him. I confess I would likely be depressed to find myself at this age if that had not yet happened. God is good!
How do you feel about growing older? If you’re older than I am, any words of wisdom for me?
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Happy birthday, Julie! I hit 31 this year, so no words of wisdom for aging. I have noticed a new aged look since becoming a mommy. Interesting, huh? I will say, though, that I would never guess you turned 50!
Thanks, Catherine. Yes, parenthood changes us inside and out like little else. Enjoy your youth! 🙂
Take heart — just heard on the news that fifty is the new thirty! And a belated happy birthday. Funny, when I was younger I used to fantasize about being older because I thought all the angsty stuff would be over with and I could just enjoy life. LOL But stuff kept happening no matter the age so I like your idea of focusing on your relationship with God above all else. That’s the only way to find peace no matter what your age.
The new 30, hm? I like that. Don’t believe it, but I like it. 🙂 Thanks, Kav!
Julie, my mother lived only to the age of 40. So that age was a milestone for me. Now I have lived more than 20 years longer than she did. It does make you stop and think and appreciate all God has given us. Make the most of your days. They are a gift.
Oh, wow, Cathy. That must have been a difficult time for you. So glad you are doing well so many years later. Thanks for understanding and for leaving a comment.
I turned 69 this year. My Mom had a heart attack that year and my husband’s Dad died a year earlier. I am so aware of the shortness of life daily. Life here is good but I also reflect on the perfection of life eternal. God is good to offer us His gift of eternal life and time here filled with joy, people to love and interesting experiences to enjoy.
Beautifully said, Jen. And wonderful to hear today!
Happy Birthday! I met my husband at 49 and was married two days before my 50th birthday. It taught me that you never know what is around the corner. I didn’t want to think I would never find love again but was giving up in finding a decent man. I just celebrated our 7th anniversary yesterday and I turn 57 tomorrow. It is a blessing. I look forward to all my days ahead as I am enjoying the time I have with the love of my life. We don’t know what tomorrow brings so I am looking forward to every passing year. P.S. I am having more fun now than ever. My body might not do what is used to. I might have a few more wrinkles and spots. But I am young at heart and feel blessed by God.
Congratulations, Jeanette. That is so much fun to hear, and so inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
Happy birthday, Julie! Embrace the freedom that comes with the fifties! Looks like you had a GREAT time celebrating! I know God will keep blessing you and growing you and that will reflect in your wonderful writing, too! Big hugs!!!
Thanks, Carrie. I appreciate you!
Happy belated birthday! I love the idea of celebrating with dancing and desserts. What a fun way to ‘party’. 🙂
I, too, am very glad that my book career doesn’t depend on my looks. Aging certainly didn’t slow Barbara Cartland down. She wrote 23 novels in one year at the age of 82!
Well, Beautiful Becky, I hardly think you have to worry! I love your example about Barbara Cartland. Thanks for sharing!
Happy new decade, Julie. I’m almost a whole decade ahead of you and I’m here to say, “come on in, the water’s fine!” I honestly didn’t have any problems with 30, 40, or 50. Now, 60, I’m kind of dreading. Especially with people like Christy Brinkley setting the bar. Sheesh! 😉
But I love how you celebrated! And cracked up to know that you wrote this wearing a mud mask. That a way to go down fighting! Seriously though, may God bless you with many more years, and may your 50s be the best ever!
Oh, Deb. Could you hear me laughing from there?! Thanks for the morning chuckle over “Way to go down fighting!” Hee hee. Never surrender. I think you look great. But yes, Christy Brinkley is a hard act to follow. If it makes you feel any better, I’m the same age as Cindy Crawford. 🙂
As Solomon said we are but a mist. Here today and gone tomorrow. To me there’s something about the decade milestones. I turned 60 in May and that hit me harder than any other. Although I’m aging on the outside it’s the internal things that are bothering me. Achy joints, bad right hip, stiff fingers, I’m really feeling my age and then some. But you know what, I’m a breast cancer survivor from 2011, so every day I’m here is a celebration no matter how I’m feeling physically! Thank you Jesus!!
Great perspective, Gail. Praising God with you for every new day!
Happy Birthday, my friend! You don’t look a day over 40. As my grandmother used to say, “How old would you ‘be’ if you didn’t know how old you really were?” On a gorgeous day like today, I feel 40…and I passed the 60 mark a few years back. Enjoy!
Thanks dear Lynn. I remember being so surprised when I heard you turned 60. You’re in amazing shape and haven’t aged a day since I first met you.
When I was younger I was afraid of growing up, but now that I’m in my 30’s I’m loving it! It was kind of a relief to leave my 20’s behind, so instead of angsting over turning thirty, I decided this would be my decade of awesomeness 🙂 I admit that one of the big downsides of aging is a slower metabolism…
Yes, I’m afraid that metabolism clock just keeps slowing, too, Heidi. Thanks for commenting and enjoy your thirties!
I’ll join the others here that have said you certainly don’t look 50. Not at all!
I am turning the big 3-5 next month. I’m kind of dreading it too. Everything was late for me. I didn’t meet my husband until four days before I turned 30. Got married two years later. Had my firstborn last year. We would like at least one more child, but we know we aren’t getting any younger. I’m sure I wouldn’t have dreaded turning older so much if I knew my childbearing years were behind me… but God knows, right? And He is good. Just as you write your stories so well, He writes ours, too.
Beautifully said, Courtney. Glad your story is turning out so well!
JULIE!!! Oh my stars!! I really thought you were going to say you hit the big FOUR-O !! Add me to the list of folks who don’t think you look 50 (whatever 50 looks like, LOL). 😉
I turned 50 a few years ago (okay, okay….8 years ago, to be honest) – – but it was very emotional for me, because my precious Mama (also my best friend) had gone to Heaven just a few months before my birthday. Even though I firmly told my family that I did NOT want anything special done, they completely surprised me by throwing a big party for me (a few days after my birthday). I came in the door from Walmart, wearing old jeans and a t-shirt, carrying a 16-roll pack of toilet paper – – to be greeted by a house FULL of friends/relatives wishing me happy birthday! I was stunned, and stood there crying (still holding the toilet paper, LOL). Yep, a birthday I’ll always remember. 🙂
I hope and pray the 50s will be fabulous for you, and think it’s great that you celebrated with dancing and dessert! (I’m still drooling over that cake – – YUM!! Those blue icing roses look SO good!).
Birthday hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo 🙂
Oh, Patti Jo, that is hilarious–NOW! I have to say I would probably NOT have enjoyed such a surprise at the time. (But then, I don’t like surprises in general). But a great–and funny–memory for sure. I can just see you standing there with your mondo-pack of tp! You’re a good sport and I’m sure your friends cheered you up at such an emotional time. Thanks so much for sharing that story!
Happy birthday belatedly, Julie. My prayer for you is that you’ll live more grace-filled years than you’d have ever thought you would. And it’s true, you don’t look 50!! As I am on the threshold of adulthood one thing I’m learning is that age is (mostly) just a number. Really, it’s the heart that matters.
Thanks so much, Ganise. And I agree–God looks at our hearts, not our wrinkles. Glad you’re too young to worry about those! 🙂
Happy Birthday, Julie! I was diagnosed with M.S. at 21 years of age and cancer at 33 years of age. When I heard the cancer diagnosis, my first thought was that I was going to die young, so I am grateful for each birthday and each year I can add to my age! Also, about 15 years ago I radically changed my diet so I feel better at 56 then I did at 26. 🙂
So happy to hear you’re doing well, Pat. And good for you on changing your diet. Glad to hear you’re feeling great!
Happy Birthday Julie! I turned 50 six years ago and I threw myself a celebrate life party and it was great to get together with friends. I plan on doing something like that for my 60th! When you were writing about reflecting on your life, the phrase ” If I could look at my soul, would I be impressed with the changes there either?”, really hit me. I had never looked at it that way. What an awesome thought to think about and not only evaluate how we are changing physically but also do a spiritual evaluation. I think I may need to write about that on my own blog if you don’t mind me using the idea and phrase. Thank you for inspiring me to take a look at my own spiritual progress!!
Your party sounds great, Linda. And yes, you are welcome to pursue the idea/phrase on your own blog. Glad to hear you found it thought-provoking!
Happy Birthday Julie! I love your thoughts on aging well, inside and out. We have far more control of the inside aging, that’s for sure (says the 45 year old about to have a spot of cancer (benign) removed from her face), as we submit to the Great Physician.
Thanks, Lori. And I hope the procedure goes smoothly with little or no scarring–inside or out!
Julie – I hope I look as young and fabulous as you when I turn 50 (next month!) It was a wonderful night to celebrate with a terrific friend and woman of God. I think your soul is making progress, along with the rest of us. It’s the continued effort of turning to God and being open to change and His influence that can keep us fresh and new. Love you!
Thanks, Sara, you inspiring woman, you. Have fun enjoying your 40’s while you can!
Julie, I must say I never would have guessed your age. But then, no one ever guesses that I’m 26 either. They usually think I’m still in high school. 16 is the average age people think I am. I always take the compliment. Your books are such a blessing. It’s fun to read clean books that entertain and share morals and godliness. Not only that, but they lead readers to the One who saves. Stories don’t get better than that.
May you have many, many more birthdays to celebrate.
Blessings,
Andrea
Proofreader/Writer
writingtoinspire.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, Young Andrea. I appreciate it! 🙂