Yesterday, I turned 47. WHEW…that half a century coming in fast y’all! This year feels less like a milestone and more like a moment of alignment. Looking back, I can see how intentional this past year has been. Not perfect, certainly not without challenge, but purposeful. God has been gently, yet persistently, calling me deeper; deeper in faith, deeper in discipline, and deeper in obedience.

Spiritually, this has been a year of learning to truly walk with God, not just acknowledge Him. Proverbs 3:5–6 NIV reminds me, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Submission has been the stretching place. It’s one thing to know His Word, but another to follow His voice when it requires surrendering comfort, control, or clarity. I am learning that obedience to the Holy Spirit is not about me having all the answers; it’s about trusting the One who does.

Health has also taken its rightful place as a priority, not just for today, but for the future I am stewarding. The body is not separate from my calling; it supports it. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIV grounds me in this truth: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This year, honoring God has looked like choosing rest when needed, being more mindful of what I consume, and recognizing that longevity in purpose requires intentional care.

As a leader, I’ve grown in understanding that leadership is less about position and more about posture. It is about humility, consistency, and the willingness to be led by God first. James 1:5 NIV has been a steady anchor: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.” I’m leaning into that promise; seeking wisdom in decisions, in how I serve others, and in how I show up. Leadership is refined in the quiet places where character is built long before it is seen.

At 47, there is no arrival; I am still becoming. Becoming more attentive to God’s voice. Becoming more disciplined in my stewardship. Becoming more grounded in who He’s called me to be. And that is my posture moving forward: not striving, but surrendering…trusting that every step of obedience, every choice toward health, and every act of faithful leadership is part of the greater work He is completing in me.

Great, growth or groan, I’m ready for whatever comes next!