This blog was Co-Written by W Squad's only three 30-somethings: Melissa Lowell (31), Emily Mitchell (32), Nicole Ransom (34) *Contributions by Kelly Mulderig (22)
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Going on the race as a 30 something is considerably different than going on the race as a 20 something. For a 20 something it seems like a nice next step. For a 30 something it seems like a crazy step away from life. But it's a great step! Here are 30 reasons you should go on the race if you're 30:
- Growing up isn't what it's cracked up to be.
- You still haven't used your degree.
- You realize the American Dream is more like a nightmare.
- Need a break from being a bridesmaid or groomsman.
- Behind on your bucket list.
- Stop fooling yourself and others, you can't be 29 forever.
- Taxes suck.
- You need a crash course on the latest pop culture and technology.
- Eat, Pray, Love… for Jesus.
- Tired of your parents asking when you're getting married or if you're married when you are having kids, but be prepared for everyone around the world to ask the same questions.
- You need to feel wise.
- Traveling is much harder when arthritis sets in, better start now.
- It was time to jump on the Skype bandwagon (yes, we never used it before the WR).
- Office Space is becoming a reality.
- You want to share your love of the 70's or early 80's with young people.
- You see your parents when you look in the mirror.
- You are actually eligible to adopt the children you fall in love with around the world.
- Not getting any younger.
- Raising support is a breeze when your fund raising pool is not still in college.
- You've started talking to yourself and you're afraid of becoming the cat lady.
- 401K's are overrated.
- Hormone fluctuations get resolved when your cycle syncs with 40 other females.
- Unsettled about settling down.
- You like being told you look like your 20-something teammates.
- What defines GenX, GenY and GenZ? You'll find out.
- Likely the "no dating on the race" rule won't be a problem.
- You'll learn why living alone is a luxury.
- Nostalgic for summer and winter school breaks? You can make up for all the ones you've missed since graduating.
- In the mission field age truly is just a number.
- Because God has called you and you're old enough now to know you should listen to Him.
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“It’s like this when you live in a story: The first part happens fast. You throw yourself into the narrative, and you’re finally out in the water; the shore is pushing off behind you and the trees are getting smaller. The distant shore doesn’t seem so far, and you can feel the resolution coming, the feeling of getting out of your boat and walking the distant beach. You think the thing is going to happen fast, that you’ll paddle for a bit and arrive on the other side by lunch. But the truth is, it isn’t going to be over soon... The shore you left is just as distant, and there is no going back…I think this is when most people give up on their stories. They come out of college wanting to change the world, wanting to get married, wanting to have kids and change the way people buy office supplies. But they get into the middle and discover it was harder than they thought. They can’t see the distant shore anymore, and they wonder if their paddling is moving them forward. None of the trees behind them are getting smaller and none of the trees ahead are getting bigger…and they go looking for an easier story.” ~Donlad Miller A Million in a Thousand Years
Here's to not ever living an easier story!
