Chapter III

When I was in primary school, I considered people who were 25—let alone 30—very old. They were “aunties” and “uncles” to me. Somehow, I thought those were a lot of years to have lived, and I felt like I still had a long way to go before reaching them.

I had a similar feeling about Vision 2020, the long-term government development plan aimed at transforming our country from a low-income, agrarian economy into a knowledge-based, middle-income one by the year 2020. It seemed like a distant dream—something far off in the future. But here we are now, living in the very future we once imagined. That being said, I turned 25… then 26… and now 30. Wooow

This is 30!

I view my life as chapters in a big book: each decade a chapter of its own, each year a subchapter. Some people refer to decades as “levels.” In fact, a friend recently wished me luck as I entered the “third level.” With that comes a certain pressure—expectations of what should be achieved, what must be done, and all the “whatnots.”

But I believe life should be lived one day at a time, with its unique gifts and experiences. That’s why I see it as a grand book. And I’ll be deeply grateful if I get to complete at least ten chapters.

As I step into Chapter Three, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the journey so far, and with faith for the road ahead. God has been incredibly faithful and merciful to me over the past 29 years. Every challenge, every heartbreak, every setback—it all served to bring me closer to what’s truly meant for me. Because I believe God never allows suffering without purpose. He doesn’t withhold blessings unless He knows they won’t bless us in the future.

In this new chapter, I promise myself that I will live more fully and joyfully. I will wear my favorite perfume every day—not just on special occasions. You might catch me on a rainy day in a flowery summer dress, just because. I will be kinder, more spontaneous, more courageous, and braver than ever before.

My prayer today is the prayer of Jabez:

“Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory,That Your hand would be with me,And that You would keep me from evil,That I may not cause pain.”—1 Chronicles 4:10

Cheers to 30!