cause of my joy…

… 33 is the new black according to this highly reliable and scientific poll. Yes, I read trivial, news items. One time I even followed a link about Katy Perry’s hair. I’m so ashamed.

So the age 33 is supposed to be the magic number, the age when most people feel the happiest. I can see that, I suppose. Your 30’s mark the end of those awkward trying to figure yourself out years. I’m guessing you are just thrilled to be done with it. Granted my 20’s were fun, but an empty kind of fun that caused me a great deal of pain when looking back in hind sight.

If I was to briefly describe the decade marking my twenties the story of the prodigal son would illustrate it best. In my twenties I spent my inheritance, in my thirties I came crawling home.

I’ll be 36 in a few short months and I would say I am pretty happy where I am in life right now- though not for any of the reasons stated in the article. It seems odd to admit a contended happiness; divorced, single mom with my nursing dreams on hold and prone to entertaining wild fantasies of running off to convent. There are millions of people better off, better off by societies standards. I guess I am supposed to feel disgruntled and bitter or something.

I just find it too difficult to feel that way in light of all my past transgression that have been forgiven. This is the cause of my 30-something joy and I sincerely suspect I will feel this way at 43 and 53 as well.

Related Links: The Absurdity of God’s Forgiveness and Magnificat’s Holy Week guide.

Another famous 33- Hallie Lord turns 33 today. Hop over and wish her and Ryan Gosling a happy birthday.