28 is Great

It's my birthday yay! Earlier this year, there was slight dread at the thought of turning 28. This year, however, I've made lots of strides in various areas of life and I'm ever so smitten with the potential that lies ahead. Lots of small (and some large) chaotic events have occurred over the last 3 years in my life but I am beginning to see God's hand, a gentle prodding. 


So, while it's not a "New Year," I've got some personal resolutions and my birthday seems apropos. 


Reconnect. Friends, family, colleagues. I tend to get absorbed in the moment, and inadvertently distant. Never intentionally, yet the drifting is always inevitable. It's an issue of managing time, placing others before oneself, and one I intend to address. Here's to being a better friend!


Revitalize. While much effort has gone into my latest creative brainstorm, there is more to be done. I hope to polish up my designs via further education and ideally locating a mentor. I'll need to further invest time, money and patience to the crafts which bring vitality in my life. While I adore writing, it is a strenuous, laborious process for me. As I pour myself onto the page, it is exhausting. Mind you, I speak of creative writing not technical or informal - articles and blogs are far kinder! With designing jewelry, I literally feel refreshed, even after the physical strain (working with hard metals, repetitious hand movements, eye and back soreness). There's a love and feeling of accomplishment. It's a lofty goal to live by one's art, but if there's one thing I am, it's ambitious. And stubborn. (wink) 


Relinquish. As I mentioned, the last few years have been turbulent times. A big wake up reminder that I'm not in control and very much in need of God's providence. In the past, I've gotten in a niche, done outwardly well, garnering accolades, and mistakenly believed I was Super Woman. Colossal mistake! I am learning to embrace my limitations, and revel in the majesty of God's infinite possibilities. 
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (NIV)


Respond. I am accountable and called, as a Christian, to live in this world yet not be of the world. In all endeavors, I can choose to use my creativity in a way that honors God. May my actions speak according to the truth in my heart. 


There's more thoughts to share, but that's for another post, another day. Right now, I think a piece of cake is calling my name.