Wedding Invitations on the Fridge

One of the most memorable conversations I had with a girlfriend happened right after I graduated college. We were eating chips and queso, when she voiced her concern about when women started losing their eggs. Yes, eggs. She continued the conversation about how rapidly our fertility decreases the older we get. I asked for more green salsa from the waiter.

Currently, I have seven wedding invitations on my fridge. SEVEN. That collection isn't counting the bridal shower, baby shower, and first birthday party invites. It seems almost guaranteed that every time I walk to the mailbox, I get an electricity bill and another white envelope that says "Heather Grissom and Guest".

Simply stated, this is the season my generation is going through. I actually keep a box in my house filled with random gifts I've collected at boutiques, anticipating when I'll need to wrap something to attend an event. We used to be at the age where get pregnant was a scandal, but now it seems to be an expectation.

But in my head, I'm not even that old! "Late-twenties" used to sound so intimidating, but here we are.

Let me preface this by saying, this is not an attack on those who married early or are deciding to have children. In fact, I am overly-joyed for all my friends that are going through those seasons in their life. I celebrate their milestones with excitement, support, and damn good wedding presents.

Admit-tingly, it's easy to sometimes feel "behind" no matter who you are. We look at the seasons that others are in and we feel led to fall into comparison.

"Look how far along they are in their career, but I haven't finished my degree yet."

"We've been dating for a year, isn't it time to take the next step?"

"Shouldn't I have kids before I'm thirty? I guess it's time."

"I'm throwing my money away in rent, so I guess I'll buy a house."

Here's the thing... it doesn't matter what season of life you're in. Your age doesn't affect "where you should be" or "what you should have". I know a friend in their 30's who decided to go to the police academy after 10 years in a different career. I've met people who are on their 3rd marriage or people who never found a partner. I applaud my family member who took the plunge to get her bachelor's degree 10 years before retirement. Life changes don't have to happen in an order. Once you get married, you immediately don't have to start having children. Once you graduate college, you immediately don't have to land your dream job. Once you move to a new city, you don't have to buy a home and put down roots.

Sometimes it's important to take a step back and notice the season you're in. What importance does it have in your life? Are you happy where you are? Are you constantly looking for the next "big thing" to happen to you? Are you growing?

Sometimes the seasons we need to go through aren't just "big events" like marriage, career promotions, or pregnancy. It's important to be comfortable and confident with where you are before moving to the next season. Some seasons are met for healing from a toxic relationship, figuring out what hairstyle you want (yikes - I had a season of bangs), quitting your job to pursue a passion, or spending a dedicated amount of time to dive into your faith.

Whether you're in a "big event" season or enjoying some of the "in between", don't rush yourself out of it. The best time in your life is the one you're living right now.

Right now, I'm in a season of rediscovering what sets my soul on fire. I'm enjoying having a stable career that I built, having the flexibility and freedom to explore new places, being content with being alone, and enjoying every sunset I see. You know why this season is great? Because I'm happy living in it!

No matter what season you're in, just know I'm cheering you on... and I'll always RSVP to your wedding for a free meal.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.. + Ecclesiastes 3:1