I entered the room transformed. My previous attire consisting of sneakers, loose workout pants and an equally loose off the shoulder top were replaced by black skinny jeans, glittery shoes and the birthday girl’s personalized shirts. I had gotten rid of that cute black hat that was hiding the untidiness on my head and had created the perfect bun for this special event. The occasion? My best friend’s 30th birthday party. Not only her 30th, but her daughter’s 3-year b-day party as well. They were 3 & 30 and every detail of the decorations said so.
As I looked around I realized I was not the only one transformed, the entire venue had been. The b-day girl’s mom and helpers had been working hard since my exit earlier that day. The balloons were in place, the cakes were on display, the lighting was just so, and what was once an art gallery was now an upscale club type scene filled with family and friends ready to celebrate these two lovelies. My fellow party coordinators were also looking characteristically fabulous in their Baby T’s, each having used various accessories suitable for their individual personalities. But of course no one could compare to the 3 and 30-year-old. They were a sight to see and no words could do their appearance justice…
That evening was like none other. We bonded, took pictures, ate, and danced the night away. The DJ took us from old school to new and there was not a dry shirt on anyone on the floor. It was a much needed moment to break loose and release the cares of the world, the cares that silently creep into our hearts as we navigate our way through life.
As I looked at this group fervently cutting a rug, I wished this particular assortment of people had known each other back then. Back when we were just college students. I mean really known each other. Not just “hi and bye” but really getting know what makes us tick and why. But we were different people then and we needed time to mature enough to appreciate one another and the work God was doing in each of us.
So maybe we don’t have the past, but we definitely have the present and of course the future. The future which shines so bright for each of us late 20 and early 30-somethings. We have in fact, the rest of our lives ahead of us and I’m looking forward to celebrating the many milestones that come with doing life together…
