Twenty One

So, it's almost my birthday! My 21st birthday actually. The one everyone looks forward to because they can finally buy alcohol! In high school I couldn't wait until I turned 21, but now it's just another year older.

I'm going to break the mold. I have decided not to purchase or consume alcohol on my birthday. Or any day after it for that matter. Now before I go any further let me say this, I have no problem with someone having a glass of wine. I am not here to judge. I will not look down on you if you drink. It's not like that at all. But this is how I have come to the decision not to drink alcohol.

In high school I was the party girl. And I thought it was so cool to walk around with a beer in my hand. I grew up with alcohol in my home and around me. I just saw it as a way of life. My junior year of high school I met my now husband. He was a very good guy and had never even had a sip of alcohol! And after working together for a year, and learning a little about how the other lived, he invited me to church. Best invitation ever! I recommitted my life to Christ and changed my life for the better. 

Here we are now and it is 10 days until my birthday. I have been spending a lot of time thinking about how I want to spend this birthday. I have been contemplating whether or not I want to have a drink. Well I don't. And I won't. There is no good that comes from drinking. It's that plain and simple. I can have just as much fun playing Fruit Ninja with my husband :) It causes fights with friends and marriage problems that I just can't see as worth it. Also I have a history of alcoholism in my family, so I don't want to put myself in a situation I already know could get out of hand. And it's just so stereotypical to go out and drink on your 21st birthday. I don't like to do what other people are doing. I don't really get into fads. 

Lastly, and most importantly, I am involved in my church and my husband is studying to become a youth pastor. I want to set a good example to the children I am ministering to. If I don't want them drinking it would be hypocritical of me to do it. 

I'm seriously not looking down on anyone who drinks. I just want people to know who I am, and that I will not in partaking in those activities on my birthday. But I can't wait until March 1st because I love birthdays!!!!

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18