This month I turn 40. 4-0! There was a time that seemed soooo ancient to me. Not now. Today I can truthfully say that I feel as if I am just getting started on the course of my life’s purpose. I truly believe that the best is yet to come– and I am ready for it!
Something about turning 40 makes me feel like I should do some list-type posts, like “my top 40″ of something or other. But I don’t have 40 of any one thing (except maybe reasons not to exercise). So I am going to do 4 lists of 10. They may not be profound, but they may resonate with some of my friends out there in their various seasons of life. And if not, maybe they will, at the very least make you laugh a bit. And that is a very good thing! So for today:
Ten things I wish I hadn’t worried about so much:
1. What people in high school thought about me.
Seriously, it will not matter after you throw that cap into the air. Don’t get caught up in all the drama.
2. What I was going to “Do with my life.”
What I thought I would do isn’t what I ended up doing anyway. It’s best to keep learning and educating yourself. Be aware of the opportunities around you. Be honest and work hard. Be kind to others. You will be amazed at the doors these simple but timeless values will open for you.
3. My looks.
Jesus was right. You really can’t make yourself taller by worrying. Believe me– I tried.
4. If I would ever get married or who to.
Again, can’t make it happen, and worrying makes it worse–and gives you wrinkles.
5. Whether or not people approve of me.
Great quote from someone I don’t remember: “He who lives by the approval of others will dies by the lack of the same.” There will always be people who don’t approve of me or what I’m doing or the way I’m doing it. Worrying about it keeps me mired in people-pleasing and ineffectiveness.
6. Getting it wrong.
Whatever “it” may be, fear of failure keeps us from trying. Success almost always follows on the heels of multiple failed tries.
7. That I will look like an idiot doing that.
Worrying about looking like an idiot kept me from doing a lot of fun things–dancing, water skiing, playing in the rain with my kids, playing sports for fun, yoga. Everybody looks like an idiot at first –don’t worry about it and go have fun!
8. Getting the house too messy.
Ok, I still worry about this, but I’m a lot better.
9. Wasting time.
Being so time conscious has kept me from enjoying the moment many times. I’ve learned it’s better to be more present in fewer things and that the cram-packedness of my calendar is not a measure of my worth.
10. If I was pleasing God.
I know that might sound a little strange coming from a pastor, but in my early Christian years I spend so much time worrying if I was pleasing God that it robbed me of the joy of my salvation. Prayer time was basically repenting and confessing a list of all the things I thought I did wrong so God could be happy with me. I truly did not understand the fullness of God’s grace. Now that I do understand it, I spend my energy on loving God and learning more about Him. The focus is on HIM–not me!
Kerri
LB xo
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for being such a great example of godly womanhood/motherhood. I always enjoy reading your blog updates. I have learned so much from you and look forward to many more years to come. Happy Birthday all month of July!!! Love you, Katie
Great List Pastor Kerri!
We all spend way too much time worrying..love this insight. I have to agree w/Katie..I have learned so much from you, you truly are a great example of godly womanhood/leadership. Thanks for all you do for us women
Your list gives all of us much to think about at any age. You are such an inspiration to so many ladies both young and old. Thank you for helping us to realize what is really important.
Remember that 40 is just a number and you look SSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOO much younger. Happy Birthday!
Love, Debbie
Thank you so much for sharing, I really enjoyed reading this!! There’s a lot of great things to take from it. Thank you for your obedience to God & for pouring so generously into the lives of many. I hope that you have a wonderful birthday!
Kerri, I have missed your postings but respected your time to chill. It is always so refreshing to have someone be so open and honest with their feelings the way you are. Thank you and Happy 40th. I just hit mine as well.
Every day we wake up breathing is a GOOD day.
Hey Kerri,
I just found your blog. My hubby and I use to attend Celebration in Austin, Texas. Pastor Joe is a hoot and we absolutely adore him. I remember Stovall coming to visit us last year. It was the first time I’ve ever heard him preach and thought he was something else. I remember leaving the sermon and telling my hubby that I felt like I was listening to an old friend rather than a sermon. That I could really understand Stovall’s style. Hubby laughed and said it was the Louisiana accent. I told him, “I didn’t hear any accent.” He burst into laughter because we are from New Orleans and I’m always getting a hard time for mine.
We just relocated (job transfer) to Houston. We now have to watch Pastor Joe and Pastor Stovall by internet. We try to keep up by purchasing DVD’s from your church. I heard you preach on hospitality. The way you talked about Gumbo in your sermon; I can see we’d be good friends (wink). Hope y’all have a super week. God bless and Happy Birthday!!!
Your Louisiana Sista,
Gigi