i turned 39 last week. 39. i remember being a teenager and thinking that 39 was ancient, and now i don't. i'm just hitting my prime!

to celebrate, i decided to make a list of things i've learned along the way. my intent was to create 39 of them, but apparently i've only learned 23. still working on some, though.

without further ado...

24. allow for margin in your life. sometimes your bus is late or traffic sucks. (or you desperately need a coffee or bump into someone you know.)

23. find some kids to hang around and let loose. pretend to be a dinosaur. build a sand castle. play.

22. get some fresh air whenever you can.

21. hug your parents.

20. tip well. an extra few bucks here and there won't kill you (and will help someone pay their bills.)

19. hospitality is a gift. invite as many people over as you can, and sit around as many tables as you can.

18. let your friends buy you dinner once in a while. offer to buy theirs.

17. use names while talking to people and look them in the eye.

16. conflict should be approached with the intent to protect the relationship. (your relationship with a spouse, friend, job, whatever.)

15. counting to ten (and more when needed) changes the way you react.

14. find somewhere to volunteer.

13. travel the world and get to know other cultures. try new things and eat new food, listen to stories and see the world through their eyes.

12. don't be reckless with anyone's heart. don't let others be reckless with yours, either. (thanks, baz luhrmann.)

11. remember, the mirrors in a retail store are designed to make you look better than the ones at home. your clothes/appearance shouldn't define you any way.

10. when giving out your number, set boundaries right away. saying something like, "i will reply when i can" alleviates pressure (for you) and expectations (for others.)

9. nap when you can. (plus, you'll get an extra sit-up in.)

8. don't pick a career based on money. find one that makes you feel alive and makes good use of your gifts.

7. scared? do it any way! the scariest things have the greatest rewards.

6. what you see depends solely on what you look for. look for the good in people and the good all around you, and cling to it.

5. you will always find your way; what is for you will not pass you by.

4. people can't read your mind. say what's on it (with love and grace) - still learning this.

3. there is no script to ministry or life. (thanks, kim.) most things don't go as planned. be flexible.

2. celebrate your friends. show up to their weddings, baby showers, ordinations, birthday dinners, you name it.

1. follow Christ. He's the real deal, extremely trustworthy, constant and ever-present.