29 and 365 days

Yesterday I turned 30. That's right, the big three-oh. And for some strange reason I am not doing too well with this particular birthday. Growing up, birthdays were always exciting for me. I looked forward to the gifts, the cake, the party, spending time with family and friends and feeling special. Even as I grew older and the pizzaz of the day wasn't quite as sparkling, I still looked with eager anticipation to the morning when I would wake up and be a whole year older. It was almost as if I was waiting for something to happen and I just knew it was going to happen that year.

Well, this year it happened all-right. I woke up and realized I had left my twenties. The carefree days were forever gone. I was now entering an entirely different decade with serious responsibilities and depressing life mile markers. Somehow I don't think turning 40 is as difficult as turning 30, but I could be wrong. I haven't reached 40 yet! Check back in 10 years from now and see how I'm doing!

When I thought about it, age 30 was a significant age in Bible times. Upon doing a search, I discovered some interesting things about people who turned 30 and took on some serious responsibilities.

• Joseph was let out of prison and entered Pharaoh's service
• Saul became the first king of Israel and reigned for 42 years
• David became king of Israel and reigned for 40 years
• Jesus began His official ministry

God is able to do amazing things with those who are willing to be used by Him. Yet each of these went through difficult times first. Joseph's brothers hated him and he worked as a slave in a foreign country. Saul was looking for his father's lost donkeys and when it came time to annoint him king, he was hiding in the baggage, afraid to face everyone. David was busy fighting lions and bears as a humble shepherd or dodging Saul's spear as he played the harp to calm Saul's soul. Jesus lived quietly tucked away in a little village, getting separated from his parents at the Passover Feast, and working as a carpenter while He waited for His time to come.

In this new year as I face yet more unknowns, one thing is sure. God has a plan, not just for me, but for everyone who follows Him. And that plan is one we cannot even begin to imagine, but I believe He places a desire for that plan in our hearts so that when He brings us face to face with our dreams, we will know we are in His will and we will move forward.