A Joyous Perspective on turning 30: Same dance, with well practiced moves

This week at the Friday Night Thought Tale Hour at the Henderson's, it happens to be a Friday synonymous with a birthday in our family. Our son, Marty, turns 30 years old today. And while he is not our first kid to turn this age, he is my youngest, so there is a bit of awe in the event. In some ways, I find myself thinking, "It's about time..." and then I look at his baby pictures and I'm thinking, "It's gone so fast..." Ah, the ways of parenthood. There's just something a bit surreal about having your youngest turn an age you recall so well - due to it being a 'milestone' birthday.

While musing about this upcoming event during the week, I heard the song made famous by Leann Womack several years ago, "I Hope You Dance"(click to hear the song). It's a sappy song that can bring all the sentiment out of my nature. But this time, I settled on a few of the lines that I thought were very inspirational to a parent of someone ready to turn the big three-oh. So many things you now know, looking backward from 25 years ahead. And there's nothing more rational than the desire to infuse every ounce of your experience into the heart, mind and soul of your kid. So here's my take on a few of the lines.

Phil, loving the 30's

Never settle...

"For the path of least resistance..."  After the somewhat mean and lean years of the 20's, isn't it true that you kind of think you may have 'arrived' when you reach 30? These are the years that all the hard work is supposed to pan out. The long hours, the redundant courses, the #struggle... You're ready for your close up. But here's something that your elders found out - don't get too comfortable. Chances are, that first big job, that wonderful first home, that dream wedding - will not be the pinnacle. Do you see that other road ahead,  the one that looks less traveled and risky? It just might be your destiny. "Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens..."  I've found there's usually at least a window cracked. Keep your eyes open. And whenever you feel a little lost or if both roads look like they lead to nowhere- 

Michaela, 30 and shining!

Give Faith a fighting chance.

When you turn 30, and you feel you are very wise and experienced, it's hard to admit you just don't really know. Yes, you might give the Heavens a "passing glance", but even then, you have full confidence in your own abilities. While your compadres might tell you that you don't need to be caught on your knees, I'm here to tell you there will be plenty of times you'll benefit from that act of prayer. But even if you can't find a way to believe in something bigger than humanity, I urge you to still hold on to faith. Faith in goodness, faith in a commitment, faith in fairness. And along those lines, faith in love.

God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed.

If you find yourself 30 and unattached, chances are you've taken a few chances on love. I want you to know that all of these, even those that left you broken-hearted, were worth taking. I am not of the kind that believes there is but one human for each human to walk through life with, but I do believe that there are those who offer us the best hope for a lifetime partnership. In that regard, giving love your all will never leave you without something worth keeping. Be true to yourself, and always commit to being true to others. And thus, you will always be someone who makes everyone feel like a somebody.

Jeremy, 30 and taking the road less traveled.

Stay humble.

"I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean..." The 30's often bring about really exciting events: Big promotions, larger savings accounts, nicer cars, bigger credit lines. But remember, those things don't make you more of a human, they just add distraction from the simple beauties around you. There's a temptation to join the competition of the have's vs. the have not's in the 30's. Don't throw your hat in that ring. Stay humble. You will far be less stressed and still have everything you really need.

"Dance... I hope you dance..."

In the background of the song, as the lead singer sings the chorus, there's this ethereal chant that I never could quite make out. After taking a closer look at the written lyric, I learned that it's the following:

Terra, 30 and giving life a great dance!

"Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along, Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone?"

Yes, these are the subliminal words that all of us older folks are whispering in your 30-year-old ears. Crisis will come. Life will surprise you. Winter will feel like it never ends. But through all of the stages that you encounter, try with all your might to find the time to dance... You by now have some well-polished moves, so use them - to enjoy and smile. Because God willing, one day you'll be looking back and thinking, "I still got some pretty good moves on the dance floor called life..."

Marty, 30 and letting his light shine!

So tonight, we toast to our special 30-year-old guy, and we think we've found the appropriate cocktail. He's no longer a shiny little nail, but a little rusty. A bit worn and weathered, but made even stronger by the extra iron oxides. We're drinking the classic "Rusty Nail". Here's to continuing to build upon all that life has taught and brought to you my dear son. CHEERS FRIENDS!

Rusty Nail**
1 1/2 oz Scotch whiskey
1/2 oz Honey Irish whiskey
1 twist lemon peel

Pour the scotch and whiskey into an old-fashioned glass almost filled with ice cubes. Stir well so that a frozen mist forms on the outside. Garnish with the lemon twist.

**Always drink responsibly. No driving after drinking.