When I pictured celebrating the milestone of my 40th birthday, I didn’t foresee moving boxes, university and a brand new home. Our plans to move to Somerville had been laid out carefully and we were working towards a changeover date of the 21st of July, but then everything changed.

The family who were living in the Somerville property couldn’t find a new home and asked us if it would be possible to delay our settlement by a few weeks. After an initial ‘no way’ from me, Dave did what Dave does best and figured out a way for both families to survive the extension. We moved into my parents’ house for a month, giving the other family a chance to source a rental in time.

Thankfully, we managed to gain access to the keys and property a couple of days earlier than my actual birthday, so the moving boxes were more of the unpacking kind. I had to attend classes on campus and didn’t broadcast the fact that I was celebrating a special occasion, so the day passed with minimal fanfare. We booked dinner at our local Thai restaurant and enjoyed a well-priced, abundant banquet with enough to take home leftovers. Mum and Dad were off travelling around Australia and sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers to mark the moment.

I’m not sure what I thought forty would be like, but it largely feels the same as previous years! I’m so thankful to be enjoying good health, a wonderful family and a fresh start living on the Mornington Peninsula. Although I haven’t enjoyed every moment of my Masters of Teaching (Primary), I feel very blessed to be able to experience a real classroom two days a week as part of the course and build relationships with the wonderful Grade 6s. Getting to actually teach and experiment with strategies, lesson plans and assessments has hands down been the most effective way to learn.

God only knows where the rest of this decade will take me, but I sense His direction and guidance along every step of the way. I know that He will continue to take me along the path and give me the strength necessary to last the distance. Looking back at my Unhappy Birthday experience of last year, I am beyond grateful that this existential crisis led me towards the career that I’ve commenced now and the fulfilling reality of getting to be a teacher.

I’m writing this quite belatedly now, given the jam-packed nature of the Second Semester and never quite being able to get to this part of my To-Do List, but I intend my Forties to be a decade of becoming, ageing gracefully, fulfilling my purpose and using the gifts that God has given me.

I pray for the patience and perspective that I need to be a loving mother and the efficiency and attention needed for being a teacher. May you use me for the glory of your Kingdom, God.