As 2013 is quickly reaching its end, it’s the year that my friends and I all turn 40! When your birthday comes this particular year, everything is black instead of bright party colors. Balloons are black, cake icing is black, and guests wear black to your party; plus, all the cards you receive talk about you being “over the hill.”

Since we’re turning 40 and not 100, what’s with all the black!?!?!!

What is 40, really? It’s a number. When referred to almost anything, it’s just like any other number, representing whatever it’s paired with…minutes, hours, days, weeks, etc. When referred to a person, it becomes an age.

Now that I’m quickly approaching 40, it’s not near as old as I once thought it was. I’m still young! I’m still vibrant! And the hill…well, it just gives me a better vantage point to see all of God’s beautiful creation!!

So, to all my friends that are turning 40 before me, thanks for paving the way! In return, I won’t send you any black balloons, I won’t make any references to your age on Facebook and I won’t send you cards referring to you as “over the hill.” But, I will note that if I do wear black to your party, it’s only because I’m trying to look skinnier, not because I think you’re old!!

P.S. Can someone please remind me of my good humor on turning 40 on June 4, 2014? That will be 24 hours before the BIG 40!!!