Is it me or does it seem like birthdays are a little more anticlimactic as we get older? I turn 42 today and honestly, I had to ask my daughter the other day if that was even right. “Are you sure I’m not turning 43?”

I have two daughters, twelve and nine years old and their birthdays are six months apart. So we spend the entire year talking about one of their future parties or celebrations. Theme, decorations, will it be just family?

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It’s fun to hear them dream up different ideas to celebrate their next birthday. I love making their day so special and reminding them how incredible they are. I remember my husband and I celebrating each week and month of life when they were babies!  It still makes me smile when I see new mommas do this too!

I have to wonder if that excitement and joy is the same way God looks at us every day.  Watching how far we have come and knowing the dreams He still has for us. Grateful for His creation. 

Truth is, every day we wake up is a gift from God. Every birthday we reach is a milestone. 

My youngest daughter asked me today, “What are your hopes for this year?” I loved that she asked. I thought for a second and said, “My hope is that God would give me enough grace and confidence this year to be more of who He wants me to be. I hope He continues to give me the courage to share the words He puts on my heart with others. I hope He gives me wisdom to lead my kids to Him every day. I hope my family seeks Him first in all we do.  I hope I can continue to serve and honor Him at my job. I hope I don’t miss the moments He has for me…and I’m hoping for a cruise somewhere in the mix!”

My daughter said, “Those are good hopes mom!”

God has put hopes and dreams in our hearts. It took a 9-year-old asking me about them to remind me that they are there tucked away, needing to be voiced. 

So let me ask you, what are your hopes for the rest of the year? This next month? Let’s write them down and get excited about them. Allow God to lead you to your next adventure! 

This birthday, there is no big party for me.  Just a sweet breakfast in bed from my kids and a homemade card. A quiet day with my people and time with the family at mom’s for dinner, taking in every moment I can. 

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I’m hoping. I’m dreaming. 

I’m thankful that I hit 42. It means God’s not done with me yet! 

And so…happy birthday to me!