Ode to 25

I realize that people turn 25 every day, but I only turn 25 once, so let me revel in it for one blog post at least before I get the standard "Think about how old I feel" comments!


Oh, to the year I turn 25. I never thought I would be this old. In just 8 short days, the day of my birth will be upon us. It is sure to be interesting and full of adventure and maybe even a little love along the way. One quarter of a century, what a comforting thought.
Don't get me wrong, there are many things to celebrate about it: lower car insurance, a sense of independence at being in your mid-20s, as well as getting farther and farther from those awkward teen years that I, for one, would like to forget.

In 8 short days the comments will begin,

                "I was married and had 3 kids by 25"
                "I was working full time and owned my own home at your age"
                                      and
                "You aren't getting any younger"

These people may think they are helpful, they may even mean well in some way, but let me tell you these words make me imagine punching them in the throat! However, I am older and wiser, right? So instead of fantasizing about punching people in the windpipe, I will just smile and say, "Bless your heart" and walk away.

While it may be true that many people are married, with a mortgage and three kids by 25, I am not most people. My father was right when he said "You never do things the easy way do you?"

Every other birthday I've celebrated, people were happy for me and told me how good that year was to them and so on, but this year is different. I have been told by a variety of people in my life that 25 was their worst/hardest/most frustrating year of life... what wonderful words of encouragement to a young heart! I love these people dearly, and I am glad they are honest with me and not getting my hopes up, but I could use some encouragement this year. I already know it's going to be a rough year, you didn't have to tell me that. I am older than anyone in my immediate family was when they got married. In fact, my parents were married (to other people), divorced, and remarried before they hit this wonderful milestone.

Some of my non-church friends have said things like "I don't understand how you're still single, aren't there guys at that big church you go to?" And to that I say "Yeah there are plenty of guys, but there's a reason they're still on the market!"

So I will leave you with these parting words: if you know anyone turning 25 or who has recently turned 25, give them a hug. Chances are they need it!