Over the Hill

For someone who dreaded turning 30, I am proud to say that turning 40 was great. The week was full of celebrations - my "pizza lunch girls" took me out to the swanky pizza place in town and gave me all sorts of fun, uplifting and encouraging cards... Greg and I flew down to the Gulf Coast of Florida and had a fantastic long weekend of fun in the sun (without getting sunburned!) - and he gave me a gorgeous amethyst necklace! And when I got back in the office some of my co-workers had decorated my office with all sorts of fun stuff - flowers, "40" confetti, lollipops that say "40 Sucks!" and "Over The Hill" black crepe paper.... what fun.

Last night as I was flipping thru the channels (ok, the TiVo suggestions) I was struck by something I heard a woman preacher say about time - how God had ordained for us to live 3 score and 10 (=70) years, and that many of us have more years behind us than in front of us.. So I guess that's what "The Hill" refers to when someone says you're "Over The Hill"... It's strange to think that I have already lived half my life already - kinda glad I didn't realize that milestone had happened at 35! But whatever the number of years, the idea of my own mortality and the need to make the most of my remaining time is pretty sobering. This can bring up all sorts of questions about how to use your time, life purposes, leaving a legacy, the meaning of life...

sigh..

.... I look up and my eye falls on the picture framed above my desk.. it's a painting of flowers in a basket with script behind it.. the script is the words of the 23rd Psalm....

The places mentioned are "green pastures," "quiet waters," "paths of righteousness," and "the valley of the shadow of death".. yes, that last one sounds serious, but the others aren't especially holy or purposeful spots... in fact the pastures and waters seem kinda relaxing.. there doesn't seem to be room for questions there.. why? I think it's because of the line that says "He guides me in paths of righteousness".. the idea of God leading/directing is one that gives me great peace.

So, what do I do with all the questions about the rest of my life? I'm taking them to the feet of the Creator of the Universe, to the One who has a plan for my life, for how to use me in accomplishing His purposes, and how to communicate with me in a way I can understand - how amazing is that! And the direction for tonite? I'm getting together with some friends and we're going to a few art exhibits and have dinner... how lovely - I certainly agree that these are pleasant places:

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
- Psalm 16:6

Thanks God!