Age? Huh? Please!!

I was talking to someone this morning who said, “Woah…You’ll be fifty in a few months. Tell me how does it feel to almost be FIFTY? Have you been reflecting? Are you nervous or depressed?” I’m not sure really how I “feel”. I’m not really “more” reflective because I’m naturally a reflective person. Fifty…hmmm. I have never viewed fifty as old or as the beginning of the end. You have to know my family. We have never put a lot of emphasis on age. Overall, I think we embrace daily living and we look good/youthful doing it (Great genes & Grace)! Literally laughing out loud over here! I don’t internally “feel” much different. Now my thinking and desires have changed thoughout the years. How I see myself, people and the world around me has changed as God has revealed more of myself to me and as I have experienced the ups and downs of life and relationships. But I’m good. I’ve learned a lot through my experiences- some of which I plan to share with you over the next few months.  I know what is important to me. I know what I want at this particular point in my life. I know what I’m good at and what I have to contribute to the world around me. I know who my real Inner Circle Friends are (and who they are not). I know some of the personal changes I still need to work on. I’m learning to embrace all of me- even my flaws. I not only love me, but I like me- Wendy the Brave, Wendy the Silly, Wendy the Wise, Wendy the Flawed, Wendy the Rock Star, Wendy the I Get It Wrong Sometimes, Wendy the Warrior, Wendy the I Don’t Know All The Answers, Wendy the Phenomenal, Wendy the Would Y’all Just Go Sit Down Somewhere, Wendy the Drum Major, Wendy the Compassionate… God’s Daughter. Divinely defined.

I guess today I can say I’m grateful. Grateful to be in Covenant with such an amazing God- Who loves me for just being who I am. I’m grateful for family, especially for my Parents who continually love me and have my back- for the kids God has graciously given me throughout the years- for siblings, who in their own way stretch me and make me better, for my Cabinet of Advisors/Counselors, for friends-those who stayed connected and even those who walked away without warning/explanation. I’m grateful for the challenges that I hated going through- the challenges that in the end worked out (or that are working out) for my good- because I’m better, more humble, stronger, with more to offer. I’m grateful for the platforms I’ve been given- for opportunities to make an impact in someone’s life. Yeah, I’m good. Glad to be breathing! Hahaha. Heck, I’m not scared of fifty. You won’t catch me drowning my sorrows as October rolls in. I’m embracing my future with great expectations. I’ve got stuff to do, people to connect with, and life to simply enjoy. My best days are in front of me. And trust me, each moment of life I am blessed with, you can best believe I’m going to DARE To Live It and live it well! Whose with me? Let’s go!

Good Morning.

-Wendy M. Reynolds