Significant birthdays are time to reflect, on the past, the present, and the future. This time five years ago, I had just moved to London for my post-doc. This time ten years ago, I was probably sitting 3rd year undergraduate exams. This time fifteen years ago, again probably mock exams for School C. This time twenty years ago, our family had just got back from our trip to Disneyland. And this time thirty years ago, it was the day before my mother gave birth to her first child.
This time next year, and this time in five years, ten years - I don't know what will have happened. But it's comforting to know that God already knows; and more than that - that He has planned it all.
In the meantime I am looking forward to this weekend. Since my 21st was a family-only affair, I asked Mum if she would mind organising something for my 30th. One thing led to another, and within a short space of time we'd decided that she would organise a car rally and I would invite whoever I wanted. With people from work, church, and home group, there's about fifty people who've said they are coming. The weather forecast is looking good (as good as can be expected for June) so I'm hoping everyone will have fun.
30 is a significant age in the Bible as well. It's the age at which priests began to serve in the ministry (Num. 4:3 etc.), the age at which Joseph became prime minister of Egypt under Pharaoh (Gen. 41:46), the age at which Saul became king (1 Sam. 13:1), and David also (2 Sam. 5:4), and of course the age at which Jesus began His public ministry (Luke 3:23). Will this be a defining year for me as well? I hope so. Food for thought.
