I look forward to my birthday every year, perhaps it’s because I tend to celebrate it for an entire month! But this year, my birthday feels different. I didn’t realize it was my birthday until two days ago. Maybe it’s because I’m retired and have free time, or maybe it’s because I’m getting older and the years that tick by don’t seem so important anymore.

I woke up this morning to my husband singing happy birthday, reading well wishes on Facebook from family and friends, and flowers being delivered to my door from Phillip and Noah. Quite a morning to start my special day!

But…I realized on my 50th birthday that I’m now past the midway point in my life. And with that realization came those nagging questions that want to crush my dreams and steal my joy. Questions like: “Is this all I’ve accomplished?” “Am I still relevant?” and “Do I still have anything to contribute?”

And this is when the warrior within me rises up and refuses to listen. I still have dreams that I want to see to fruition. I have skills and abilities that can be used in ways I never thought possible. There’s an entire younger generation that I can pour into.

God has made a few promises that I can claim as his adopted daughter.

• Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

• Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Look therefore carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

• Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

• Psalm 20:6 says, “Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed.”

As my birthday comes to a close, I can remember that God has a plan and future for all of us, He is redeeming the time for all of us, and He’s given victory to all of us. And that, my dear sisters, is reason to celebrate!