30

30 Thought

I’m 30. That’s right, the Big O is 3 O. Wow, I must tell you that it feels different. To be honest, my twenties was a decade of transition that has brought me to where I am today. Around my birthday every year, I usually take time to reflect on all the good and bad that have happened.

This year was a little different. Found myself in an unfamiliar place. I was with my mom. It was nice. I spent the morning with the person who gave me life. She told that she was proud of me and gave me her blessing. She mentioned how much joy I have given her. We embraced and a tear fell as I thought of my father, as I know he would be proud of me too. It has been 9 years since I last hugged the man who also gave me life; the sting is still there as though it were yesterday. I have come to embrace the pain and relish in his love for me. In all that I do, it is the hopes and dreams of my parents that drive me. Their constant sacrifices for me have made me the man I am. My life is an extension of their dreams, and now my dreams are his….

I have grown so much in 30 years. I look at old pictures of myself from high school and can’t believe I was ever that skinny!! Life is series of changes. These changes are necessary in the creation of our personal character. As I am going through changes right now, I realize the beauty of life. I thank God that I have been given the time I have. It is so wonderful to wake up each day despite the despair and hard times that we face. I have a faith that will see me through. This too shall pass, and I am sure that the story of my life has a few more pages to be written.

I thought about Jesus. According to biblical records, he started his ministry at age 30. I don’t think I will be leading the world to salvation, but it also puts my next portion of life in perspective. Can one person save the world? Can the power of one be so great that it inspires people to do the impossible? To walk on water? No, I don’t think I will be doing that, but what can I do? How can I impact people for good? What have I done today to make the lives of my neighbors better? I have asked myself this question often lately. I find myself far too often being cynical to those less fortunate. I pray that in the time I have been given that I help those in need. Maybe then I will start working on that water onto wine trick!