As a child, you think anyone over the age of 20 is just ancient, 30s you should be getting ready to retire, and 40s is basically one foot in the grave.

I turn 35 this year. This is something I haven’t wanted to think about or even acknowledge in the safe confines of my own head. I didn’t want to acknowledge it because the reality of 35 is so very different than what my childish imagination conjured up.

At the wise age of ten, I knew by 35 I would have 3-4 kids, living in some fabulous old victorian farmhouse we had fixed up a la Joanna Gaines, close to the mountains or the sea, running my own riding stables and working on my 3rd book. I was probably also a world-class veterinarian and travelling/speaking humanitarian – just to fill my extra time.

But as I’m sure many of you can attest, life doesn’t happen when and how we think it should, and thank goodness for that.

So why is my age important, other than the fact that I need to start seriously planning for retirement? 😉 It’s because for the first time, at the age of nearly 35, I think I’m finally finding my voice.

What does that mean? Finding my voice? It means that God is in wisdom, has guided me and is still guiding me through difficult seasons to bring Him glory. That through these experiences I am beginning to see that not only is He growing me, but He is gifting me with a voice to speak to others who feel trapped and alone in their seasons of waiting. My voice is not polished or eloquent, nor is it exceptionally educated, funny or witty. But I offer it up just the same just as i strive to be everyday, vulnerable, real, full of love and grace, and above all, obedient.

After my first blog post, I was overwhelmed by the number of “me toos” I received through emails, messages, texts. I was so encouraged and I felt a bit silly for being so scared to share my waiting with others. Thank you everyone for your love.

So what have I learned through sharing? Here is one thing God has driven home for me through this process that I’d like to challenge you with:

• Be obedient to God’s prompting to share your hard things. He is waiting to use you in ways you never could have imagined. I guarantee there are people in your life right now struggling with similar things and you have no idea. God has placed you where are, and with certain people in your life, for a reason. And those hard and difficult things you’ve walked through or are currently walking through? By sharing them, you encourage other believers, and it may just be the thing that breaks through with non-believing friends, that sparks a longing in them to know more about the grace and strength you have in dealing with your hard things. So give in to God when he nudges you to speak up. You won’t be sorry.