Clarity That Comes With Age

Remember the saying, “I live for the nights I’ll never remember with the friends I’ll never forget?” It makes me think of one thing….
C-O-L-L-E-G-E!!!! Woohoo! Good times!!!

Kind of crazy to me that only three years later my priorities have changed completely. Who wants to stay up all night long these days? Who can go off four hours of sleep a night and be completely functioning? Who thinks Ramen noodles & Mountain Dew are a perfectly acceptable dinner? NOT ME! (At least not anymore!)

I thought to homage to my new found maturity and appreciation for all things “grown up” I might share a few things that I live for now….love more than anything now….cherish each day now….

I live for Friday nights spent snuggling on the couch with hubby, puppies & a romantic comedy.

I love waking up at 9 a.m. on a Saturday and having all my chores done by noon – so amazing to be productive on a weekend!

I cherish the friendships and mentors I have found in my Life Group. Thank the Lord for Godly guidance in my young marriage!

I live for a good girl’s night. No boys – no pretenses – no need to look your best. Just me and my girl’s catching up like it’s the old days.

I love the simple ecstasy that can be found in a hot bubble bath with a good glass of wine and an even better book.

I cherish phone dates with best friends who I don’t get to see nearly as often as I would like.

I live for football season – tailgating, football parties with scrumptious food, cooler weather, Saturday’s with my man!

I love Sunday afternoon naps with my puppies. Dixie is the best snuggle buddy ever.

I cherish my mother. Whenever I need her, she is always there. Her love is never failing – she is my support and strongest confidant.

I live for summer vacations at the beach with family. Cards, shrimp boils, days spent on the beach. Doesn’t get any better!

I love watching my hubby build a fire on a cold winter night.

I cherish Sunday’s spent at Five Stones in worship. I cherish my relationship with my Savior and His undeserved grace and mercy.

I live for family dinners when the folks come to visit at *our place*.

I love the sense of pride and amazement I feel when I contemplate all that Steven and I have accomplished in our two years of marriage. How much stronger we are as a couple, how blessed we are with our home and puppies, how happy our life together is.

I cherish holidays spent with family. The best times are always had when I’m surrounded by our families – especially during those special holidays each year!

The list could go on and on. Again, it’s so strange to me how in such little time my value system has completely transformed. The possessions and accomplishments that once seemed so important have taken second place to the “finer” things in life – faith, family, friends. I still want nice things and I still want to do great things, but I realize that my life’s greatest accomplishments will come from the relationships I develop and the impact I have on those around me – not in the size of my bank account, home, or 401K.

Ahhh….growing up. If only I had this clarity at 18! I might have done a lot of things differently. But what would really be the fun in that?  :)

PS - If you entered my Metro Line 6 Photography Giveaway early yesterday morning - I don't think I got your entry.  Blogger was having some tech problems yesterday and I noticed that I didn't not start receiving comments until yesterday afternoon.  So check just to be sure your entry was posted!