It's True... Age is JUST a Number

Last night I saw a friend's updated FB status that said, "26 never felt so good". The following thoughts went through my mind: "I agree! I can't wait until 27! ....wait, or am I 27? No. I'm 26. ...Aren't I turning 27? No, I'll be 28. Crap!! UGH... I was born in '86... to '96 is 10, 2006 is 20, to 2007, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13... 27. I'm 27. Danggit. Virginia you gotta get it together."

It weighed on my mind all night. And still nagged me this morning. On the way to a special YSA meeting before Stake Conference I had the following thoughts in the car: "I can't believe I didn't know how old I was. That so embarrassing! But it's a good thing age is only a number. I mean, it does give you a head's up on how mature someone should be, but it doesn't really determine anything. And who cares really? 26? 27? 28? I'm still living an amazing life. But really though... who forgets their age?! I can't ever tell any one. Crap I already told Priscilla. Hmmm. Forget it. I'm 27. I know I'm 27. We just won't mention this... Let'ssssss listen to music...."

For you non-mormon readers YSA means Young Single Adults. We're non-married members of the LDS Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). Semi-annually we have Stake Conference. (Each Mormon is a member of a ward. This is the group we meet with weekly. 8-or-so wards are then grouped into Stakes with leaders over the whole stake. And stakes are grouped into regions. And world-wide our church is the same. For more information and answers go to Mormon.org.) During Stake Conference we get together as whole stake and share in the same messages.

This particular conference the YSA members of our stake were invited to a special YSA meeting. Our Stake President, President Hiatt, addressed us. He started off talking about interviewing 11-yr old children and their excitement to leave Primary (our children's program) to join the Young Men & Young Women programs (our youth programs). He talked about the excitement during interviews when the youth are 13 and 15 preparing to advance in YM & YW. He said beyond those years and the age cutoffs for serving a mission, we aren't bound by our age. He went on to talk about how important it is to "lift where we stand" and strengthen ourselves, those around us, and the church no matter where we are in our lives. He said it doesn't matter what age we are, because there is no magic age to graduate college, get married, advance in your career, or have children.  The most important part is that we are living the life Heavenly Father wants us to live. And we are becoming the people Heavenly Father wants us to become.

As President Hiatt spoke my eyes filled with tears. I knew Heavenly Father needed me to hear this message. Yes, I had already received the revelation that age is just a number (just this morning none-the-less), but I needed this message to help me apply it spiritually. I serve with the Young Women (ages 12-18) in our ward. I tell my girls all of the time how much they mean to Heavenly Father. I know I mean the world to Him too, and He loves me unconditionally. This I do not doubt! What I was doubting (even though buried deeply in the back of my heart and mind where I rarely choose to visit) was my uncertainty that I am truly where Heavenly Father wants me. Today I know I'm not only where He wants me, but I am where He needs me.

Yes, I am 27 (seriously.) and almost 28, and not married with children as I want myself to be, but Heavenly Father needs me to be 27 and single. And maybe 28 and single. And maybe 32 and single. It doesn't matter. As long as I become the daughter He knows I can be, and lift where I stand, then I'll receive the blessings He has in store.

Autumn is a Time of Change

A month ago I was driving from Greensboro to Raleigh and the leaves were just beginning to change. It was beautiful! I had this overwhelming feeling to enjoy every second of this fall because this could be my last in North Carolina. I'm getting older and feel as though a change is coming. I don't know when, or where to, or how, or why, or anything remotely reflective of a detail to this thought, but the thought is there. I'm asking all of you to keep me in your minds and thoughts and prayers as I take the necessary time to figure out where Heavenly Father wants, and needs, me. Maybe I'll stay in the city? Maybe I'll just move apartments? Maybe I'll only move to another city close by? But... Maybe I'll move to San Diego? Who knows! Right now though, I just want to enjoy every day and all of the beauty that surrounds me here!