28 candles

Last week, just like on the eve of each birthday, I took a few moments to sit down and journal thoughts about the past year--the victories, the setbacks, the good times, and the super tough times. And then I reflected about how through it all, Christ was there. There for the change. Growth. Joy. Frustration. Brokenness. Wholeness. Sorrow. Delight. Not for even a split second of my 27th year or entire life was I alone. And nothing that happened to me was a surprise to Him.  

I also considered how with each passing year and each passing day, we accumulate more memories and experiences that at first are finely textured and vivid, but gradually blur together into muted strains of color. Yet there are brilliantly colored pictures in my head that haven't yet faded:

• Diving into the murky, warm waves at the beach with Andrea
• Tightly holding onto my 91 year-old grandfather's hand as he sang about the bluest sky
• Alternatively laughing and crying with Mom as we made the long journey west for my move to California
• Becoming a member at my small, new church, knowing in my heart I had found a home
• Rocketing down a snow-covered hill on a sled with Andrea and Jamie
• Sitting around the fireplace at Christmas, feeling that no matter happened in life, all would be well
• Taking in the awe-inspiring views of the entire Bay Area from the Twin Peaks
• Sitting around my friend's cozy apartment sharing about our lives 
• Gazing up at the navy-blue evening sky filled with countless stars flickering like candles
• Meeting a guy in the missions group at church who somehow quickly became a good friend and now boyfriend
• Walking down the dusty sidewalks that haven't seen rain in months, looking into the eyes of people seeking relief from pain and emptiness
• Falling to my knees many evenings to listen to God and once again, hand my life, dreams, and hopes back over to Him

So while my 28th year begins, I also look forward to those Kodak moments this year that will leave an imprint on my mind, heart, faith, and other people's lives.

Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.