I turned 61 on Wednesday. I keep being told that I look 15 years younger, and I often feel much younger. But when I think about all I've gone thorough it sometimes feels much longer than 60 years.

I tend to think in decades. Nice, round tens. No idea why, I just do. So, in the last ten years, I've had the following happen:

Two children move out of my house and move hours away My husband lost his job in the ministry. My husband was diagnosed with early-onset Frontal Lobe Dementia Having to become the breadwinner and full-time caregiver to my husband Having to move my husband to a facility when I could no longer care for him Going back to the workforce after many years away as a pastor's wife and homeschool mom. Living as a widow while still being married

Some things I've found joy in:

A rekindled love of reading Starting a book club Finding my voice as I became confident in my job in a church Becoming the dog mom to a cute lab who totally owns me

And, finally, I'm beginning to dream again. Of what life looks life without Tom. Who I want to be. Where I want to go. And, serving Jesus and people in a way that uses my gifts and nourishes my soul.

Welcome, sixth decade. I'm grateful for this gift that not everyone receives. Amen.