It’s 40!
Yesterday, I shared about my Grandpa, and I mentioned that I think about him every year at this time. The reason I think about him especially today is that we share a birthday – today! Yep, that’s right, the Stretched blogger turns 40 today. How did that happen?
As I consider this milestone, I’m thankful. I’m thankful for all the life I’ve experienced so far and for the life that lies ahead for me. I’m grateful for the people that God has placed in my life. And I’m so thankful for a God who loves me in the ups and downs, the goods and the bads, and in my successes and failures. Today’s Psalm applies perfectly to my thoughts for the day.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD
and put their trust in him.
4 Blessed is the one
who trusts in the LORD,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
but my ears you have opened—
burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.”
9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, LORD,
as you know.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
13 Be pleased to save me, LORD;
come quickly, LORD, to help me.
14 May all who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
be appalled at their own shame.
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The LORD is great!”
17 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
you are my God, do not delay.
Psalm 40
How do you celebrate and process the milestones in your life?
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About
You might be wondering where the “Stretched” thing comes from. For starters, when I was in high school at Rancocas Valley Regional High School, I was short – 5’6″ to start my junior year. Since then, I’ve grown to almost 6’6″. Many of my friends started calling me Stretch.
On a more recent basis, I often feel “stretched” by all the things going on around me – career, marriage, parenting, church, running, reading, friendships, extended family, relationship with God, etc. (in no particular order). My hope is that this blog will provide an opportunity to express some of my “stretch marks” and to possibly hear your thoughts as well. 
So here is a bit more about me: I’m a Christ-follower, husband, dad, son, uncle, engineer, runner, chicken farmer, gardener, saxophone player, operations manager, adventurer, and the list goes on…. I’m extremely blessed to have the best wife in the whole world. We met at Grove City College. We were engaged on top of the Eiffel Tower. We got married in Greensburg, PA. Now, we live in Schwenksville, PA with our two incredible kids, and our black lab.
Looks like I might be the first to wish you a Happy Birthday Jon. Congrats on that milestone. I could say “Happy Birthday old man” but that wouldn’t sound right coming from one who is.
Blessings to you today and in the future. May you know God’s favor.
Thanks, Bill! Your greeting brought a smile to my face early this morning!
I really haven’t made a big deal about them. I am thinking about what I will do in 7 years when I turn 50.
I’m thinking you should invite all your blogging buddies down to TN to celebrate.
Happy birthday, Jon! May the good Lord continue to bless you and make you a blessing to many! Enjoy the day!!!
Thank you, Joe.
Happy Birthday to my incredible husband. I love you, Jon!
Merci, Sweetheart – my best present, by far!
Happy birthday from one who’s gone before you: 40 is what you make of it. And for someone who’s walking with Jesus there’s no need for crisis: you will get where He wants you to be.
Thanks, Chad.
Celebrating milestones is so important in life. We need to intentionally pause and think back about the past and what God has brought us through. If we don’t intentionally do this, it’s so easy to keep going and going and going through the hustle of life. Congrats on the big 4-0.
Loren, This is great advice. In many ways, I have tried not to dwell to deeply on how “old” I should be feeling. More than anything, I’m thankful for the blessings I’ve experienced and the blessings to come.
Happy birthday! I often forget how old I am, but I’m pretty sure I’m getting close to 40 myself.
Jeff, Thanks for the birthday greeting and for contributing to the Stretched Community.
Happy Birthday, Jon. Hope it’s a great day and a great year for you. That’s the next number I hit as well. Sometimes, it so hard to believe. I still feel 25
Thanks, Eileen! Most days I still feel 25, but there are a few days when I feel 40 or 50. Overall, I can’t complain. I’m thankful for a new year. Happy early 40th to you!
When I turned 40, I felt like I was finally a real adult. But in the 25 years since then, I have been very aware of how much I am still changing and learning.
Love Ya!
Dad
Thanks, Dad. I remember you sharing this before. I hope that I’m still learning and growing for years and years to come.
I make sure to have a party. Happy Birthday!!!
My wife threw a surprise party for me last night. It was a blast!
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