A couple of things couldn’t be ignored.

My family is a blessing.
Ninety percent of my day was spent with my mother as we both were trying to figure out how to renew my military ID. In the US military, turning 21 means that I have to prove that I am still a full time student in order to still receive dependent benefits until I’m 23. Furthermore, my dad was restored to Lt. JG. So, my mom and I had some nice bonding time stressing out and driving from my college and back to Camp Pendleton a couple of times to get that stuff taken care of. 

It took years for me to realize how blessed it is to have a family who loves the Lord. My parents earnestly seek out what the Lord has laid out for us to walk in. My parents’ lives are a testimony of the faithfulness of God and the blessings and trials that come out of trusting in Him. My older brother is an inspiration and an encouragement to my soul. My little brother is being a testimony at his school. It goes without saying that I have a house that serves and loves the Lord.

My friends are amazing.
The evening was spent at the Gathering, our youth Bible study. It is always a blessing leading our youth group into worship, especially acoustically because you get to hear everyone’s voices above your own. You know you are having a good birthday when you spend it in worship with the Body of Christ.

Then a few lovely ladies took me out for a giant pizookie.
You know you are having a good birthday when you have a giant pizookie.

Christian Celestino is.
I don’t know what he is. All I know is that the Lord is so gracious to allow me to spend this season of my life with him. He stands closer than a brother and is an encouragement to my walk. The Lord has used him to chisel away areas in my life that shouldn’t be there. He has been a vessel of God’s unfailing love. And this paragraph needs to stop before I start crying.

No, reader. My lips did not meet any kind of alcoholic beverage on my 21st birthday. I wasn’t itching for a party (I don’t know how to party. No, really. It’s embarrassing). Yesterday, all I did was sit and watch and allow the Lord to show me just how much He loves me.

I am humbled.
I am unworthy.
I am loved.
I am 21.

Cray.