Field of Daisies

On Turning 40

...And yet another article...dusted off just for you. (Although the dust wasn't nearly as thick on this one!) ;-)

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When I was 38 years old, if anyone asked I told them I was 38. The following year as my birthday came and went, I went from being 38 to "almost 40." For some reason, this entire year has been the year of "almost 40." Thirty-nine has completely vanished from my vocabulary.

I've heard all my life that "life begins at 40," so I've actually been looking forward to 40 -- until recently when my 42-year-old friend told me life actually begins at 50. Instantly I cried "Foul!" How unfair to move the bar when I was so close!

"Almost 40" hasn't been so bad. So I've got a few more wiry gray hairs. So my metabolism has slowed drastically. So I've developed a few more lines and wrinkles in my face. What's the big deal? Aren't we only as old as we feel?

Of course that can be even scarier than "40." Some mornings when I crawl out of bed my back is aching, my feet are throbbing, and every muscle is stiff. On mornings like that I feel closer to 80 than almost 40. Two things happen at that point. First, I instantly feel compassion for those who really are 80. And second, a wave of panic comes over me as I think, If this is how I feel at almost forty, how bad will I feel at almost 80?

Life is full of challenges. Even at almost 40 my children are just elementary age. One would think that having young children in the house would keep one young. Sometimes that's the case, but often I find their boundless energy is flaunted in the face of my lack of energy. I can't help but wonder how it will be to be in my 50's when they pass through their teen years... It is this very thought that has served to heighten my prayer life!

My husband reassures me often that even though I'm almost 40 I don't look it. He is always asking people how old they think I am. That has been a beautiful affirmation to me with the exception of the time he asked his grandmother how old she thought I was. Her answer was, "I don't know... 50-something?" Oh well, can't blame him for trying.

In truth, being almost 40 isn't that bad. As I take stock of my life I realize I am blessed beyond what I ever could have asked or imagined. I have a loving husband, two adorable children, wonderful siblings, and my precious parents are still with me. My life is full of warmth, love, and promise. Hey, if life is this good at almost 40, just think how great it will be when life really begins at 50!