25

I don't think I've ever done a post without pictures, or a post on the more serious side, but these thoughts have been on my mind for a couple weeks. I had to get some of these thoughts onto paper.

25 has been quite the pivotal age for me. When I was younger and I looked ahead, I thought I would HATE being 25 because I would no longer be in my early 20's. But I have LOVED it. I don't have a problem with getting older. Each year I continue to have more and more great experiences. With my job I have been able to see new places and experience things that I never would have if life had gone according to "my plan." And I know that they are the experiences that I need to have and learn from as I continue on my journey through life. My life isn't 100% what I had planned, but I am for the most part really happy.

I think the biggest difference about 25 is that I have transitioned from being the one taught to the teacher and leader.

And that, my friends, is a little overwhelming.

I guess I've proved that I can take care of myself, (or something) and now it is my turn to take care of others. I feel very honored that the Lord has entrusted me with developing others. In fact, I feel a little like these roles of leadership both at work and in church are to prepare me for parenthood.

We had a leadership training meeting with our Bishop a few weeks ago, and it was really encouraging to hear about other leaders from history that made some big difference around the age of 25.

• Alexander the Great won a big war at about 25 (Sorry I should know more but I don't.)
• Patton's First Command was at 25
• Captain Moroni lead 130,000 into battle at 25
• Elizabeth the 1st became Queen at 25
• Cleopatra conquered Caesar at 25
• Jackie Kennedy married JFK at 24
• Emma married Joseph Smith at 24
• Joseph Smith organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 25

Not that I match up in any way to these great people who went before me, but these are some big things that happened at the age of 25, slightly similar to the leadership roles which I have taken on now.

I hope that I can continue to develop my leadership skills and help the people that I have been entrusted to lead. I definitely NEED to. It's kind of scary.

BUT, I know that more and more, it's not about me....and I'm glad about that.