This is MY 40
As I have been preparing myself for 40, I have spent almost a month reflecting on my journey to here. Sure I could talk about all that has happened since Pressing Pause at 39, but it’s more than that.
Preparing for 40 has been about reflecting on the overflowing, ever reaching love of God.
In every season, He was present. He was in the moving, revealing the masterpiece He placed within me even when my brokenness seemed to scatter me into pieces. Moving beyond the comfortable places, taking me further than I was able to see. Moving through the depths of pain to bring me higher with Him.
In every season, He never let me go. He was in the stirring, releasing the grips of fear and pain. Even when I failed to acknowledge him, even when I let Him go time and time again, His love held on. Even in the waiting, His love was restoring, healing and renewing. I only had to be still, to be in the moment completely overwhelmed by the tenacity and gentleness of His love for me.
In every season, He had a plan. He was in the leading, preparing in the hidden spaces a life worth experiencing. In the difficult, the beautiful, and even the mundane moments, He kept on guiding my steps. He has been committed to me desiring to see the best He put in me fulfilled even before my existence. My loving God was preparing my heart not just for now, but for the days ahead.
Walking into this new decade, I reflected on the decades I have left behind — parts of the journey that have bought me to this place. The parts of the journey I didn’t realize would give purpose in my testimony. The tiresome parts of my journey I thought would surely break me. The parts of my journey that I have walked with some pretty phenomenal people.
Through it all, I can BOLDY say it was GOD who bought me here.
So, I wasn’t so surprised that one song kept popping up in my spirit—“You’ve been so faithful”.
First introduced to me at 20 while I was a member of the gospel choir back in my undergrad days, it’s been years since I have heard this song. Little by little the lyrics kept finding a way into my day.
As I look back over my life
I can see how Your love has guided me
Even though I’ve done wrong
You never left me alone
But You forgave me
And You kept on blessing
This I recall to my mind
Therefore I have hope
It’s because of Your mercy that we are not consumed
Because thy compassions fail not,
They are new every morning
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Oh yes! Looking back, I see how Jesus Christ was there all along–loving me, holding on to me, guiding me, because Great is HIS faithfulness.
This is MY 40!
Grateful and thankful,
📸 Lindsey Morgan photography
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VADoolen
You rock 40, Mamie!!! Big things in store for this new decade!!!!
xoxoxoxoxo,
Virginia
Mamie L. Pack
VADoolenAwwwww! Thanks so much Virginia.
renata
Happy birthday! You are one pretty 40 year old woman! I am 41 and I love it!
Mamie L. Pack
renataAwww thank you!!!
Christa Sterken
How MUCH I needed this exactly story today…we are in a difficult season, knowing we’ll likely be uprooting again. Thank you so much for this refreshing encouragement!
Mamie L. Pack
Christa SterkenOh, Christa! Are you a military family? Praying for a smooth transition and favor in your new location.
Dionna Sanchez
I love looking back and seeing how faithful and tender God was and is to me. Enjoy your 40’s!
Mamie L. Pack
Dionna SanchezThank you Dionna!
k1292
Happy 40! And where did you get that off-the-shoulder leather jacket??! I love it!
Mamie L. Pack
k1292Oh, thank you. I bought it from Venus.
susanhcall
You’re a fabulous 40! And I love your points – He’s present, never let you go, and has a plan. Those are true for all of us at any age. As long as we remember that, we can face what life deals us! Blessings. 🙂
Mamie L. Pack
susanhcallThank you Susan! He keeps us at every age and every stage.
Taylor Foley
Honestly such an inspiring post and a great reminder that even when things feel impossible, He is ALWAYS by our side! Happy 40th! xo
Mamie L. Pack
Taylor FoleyYes He is Taylor! That is the best gift on any birthday.
A Nation of Moms
Happy 40th! Glad to hear you are doing well and enjoying life. You have such a great attitude and that will get you far!
Mamie L. Pack
A Nation of MomsThank you so much!
Flossie
I’d forgotten about that song – thanks for bringing back the great memories of when I first encountered it, too! 🙂 Yup, 40s are def amazing, SO unlike most of the life I’d planned for myself, and SO making clear that I’ve truly been in the passenger seat – NOT the driver’s seat – for the whole ride! 🙂
Mamie L. Pack
FlossieThank you Flossie! I am looking forward to this new season. The older I become the more I see God’s hand all throughout my life. With Him even my painful moments have purpose.
thefaithtoflourish
Mamie. I love your story of hope in the journey. Our God is always faithful. Happy birthday.
Mamie L. Pack
thefaithtoflourishYes He is!!! Thank you so much b
Rachel
Happy birthday! One of my best friends is turning 40 in two days and I can only pray she can embrace it like you have.
Mamie L. Pack
RachelOh, thank you so much Rachel. I hope your friend embraces everything 40 has to offer.
suburbangoddessmom
Happy Birthdqy! Love the reflection!
Mamie L. Pack
suburbangoddessmomThanks so much!
Amanda Krieger
I love these reflections! The closer I get to 40 the less scary it feels!
Mamie L. Pack
Amanda KriegerOh, 40 is fabulous!!! There is so much I have learned to get here and it just keeps getting better.
Modern Moms Club
Happy Birthday! I love your jacket and pictures! I love how women now and days are flaunting their age instead of hiding it. You look great!
literallysimple
Happy birthday! 40 looks great and glad to hear your soul is thriving. 🙂
Mamie L. Pack
literallysimpleAwww thank you!