This last week I turned 28. It's a good round number. I am getting closer to that big 3-OH
Recently I have been struck by an interesting realization.
But before I go on I must state a disclaimer. What I am writing is not intended to point fingers or to say one is better than another. I am just stating some things I've noticed.
Basically,
I am in an minority. Not everywhere. But here. And I was in Chicago.
Married with a baby in her 20s.
I have nothing against women in their 30s being moms. In fact a common saying is "women are in their prime in their 30s."
And I am living my dreams. Ever since I was little I knew 25 was a perfect age to get married. I thought I wanted to marry a younger man because men are known to die earlier than women. Let's just say I went to a lot of funerals as a child. I also wanted a mature man. Well I married a mature man with a joyful young spirit. God worked that one out.
I thought I might adopt children. God hasn't revealed who yet. But He also knew I needed a little Melva in my life.
Being a witness to her life is such a privaledge which I am only beginning to fully enjoy.
So what's up with the comment on being married with a baby in my 20s?
Well I have felt like a "baby."
A majority of woman around me seem to have pursued their careers before wedded bliss and then waited even later to build their brood.
After googling this topic I came to another strange realization. A majority of 20 year old moms are not married.
Ironically, my mother was in the opposite position. She had her first child in her 30s when this was not a trend.
I recently wrote a blog about discovering people's stories. About talking. About sharing our struggles with eachother. Solidarity.
And I guess this is just a continuation of that. I could give a whole bunch of theories on why I find myself a minority but the fact is everyone has their story. Some didn't want to be moms in their 20s while some did and couldn't. Many of the 30- some women are enjoying being in their "prime." Just use our imagination and we could see a 100 other possible stories which lead to a 1000 questions that we could ask that mom at the play ground.
I could give theories but instead I ask that we stand up for eachother and quit judging. Quit judging. Let us as women Age gracefully. GRACE-filled-ly.
In the end that is what is going to matter. not how you choose to feed your child, if you are successful business woman, if you put your life on a schedule or live in Que Sera...
Live Vibrantly. Gracefully. And if you know the man I am getting to know, live like Christ; condict yourself gentle as a lamb but shrewd as a serpent.
Let me live a more abundant life this year.
