Bringing In My 28th Year

I woke up early this morning...I wasn't expecting that.My Friday mornings drag a bit for me because this year has brought with it an insane schedule requiring me to wake up at a different time every day and commute for so long some days that if I drove, I'd be 20 minutes from the Maryland border. So by Friday I'm pretty tired but today is different.Today is my 28th birthday.Sometimes I ask people how they feel to be X age because I like hearing the response. I asked myself that question an hour ago and this is what I've got.Turning 28 feels like blessing. Not the type that comes in neatly wrapped packaging but of another sort.It's the type of blessing that comes like laboring and pushing until you give birth to a dream you've bathed in prayer for years.The kind that comes when you've had the hardest year of your life and can say with confidence that God alone is your provision and He is faithful.It's the sort of blessing that is full of heartache and anxiety that you find yourself grateful for because it lights a fire clearing away everything that wasn't meant to remain in your life.In this last year, I've literally been the farthest away from one of the people I love most in the world for the longest period of time in my life, made the most money but also have been super broke, told someone I loved them and that be unrequited and battled with insane anxiety.But you know what? I wouldn't trade a BIT of it, not a single thing.This year has made me grow up.It has made me a better steward of my resources.It made wipe my eyes, blow my nose, say "fuck this, I'm fabulous" then call my best friend and talk her into going to a different hemisphere for a concert to shake off my sadness. Well, it was actually a festival but we had the time of our lives. We met beautiful people, got lost in the Parisian suburbs, talked about the things that matter, discovered Narco the Wonder Dog, had to deal with bank fraud and cancelled cards abroad, almost got into a fight with a group of massive rugby players and it was GLORIOUS!A year ago today, God told me it was time to actively pursue something I've prayed over for years - continuing my education.So turning 28 also feels like confronting my fears and saying goodbye.I'm moving to Chicago.It felt really good to write that. Hell, imma say it again...I'm moving to Chicago. In a few short months, I will pack my bags and make moves and start school and I'm so excited. And scared but that's ok.I look forward to seeing what all takes place between 28 and 29 and how it shapes me. Every year of life is a blessing and I'm thankful for all the trials 27 brought because without them I wouldn't be prepared to walk the path that lies before me.