This was so good. I’m feeling in a similar place right now. I turned 29 and a half yesterday and the looming 30 is staring my down. My life is quiet, and I feel like I’ve sort of… plateaued? Spun out and got stuck on the edge of the road while the other cars are driving past? I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a life noteworthy- what are the notes that are worthy to be written about one’s life. I love the reminder that it’s not about outcome but about discovery. Thank you for this!
Beautifully written! As another comment said, I don't think that this is merely a theology of your twenties. I think it is a theology of maturity. Being able to live life not as merely a checklist but as a course of discovery is highly important to anyone. Great job!
This is so good. I will turn 29 in August and feel exactly like what’s beautifully written here. I feel seen and it feels good that I am not alone! Thank you for this!
I am in my 60s, a long term mission worker, now in Portugal, and this so resonated with me - it applies to this in between time when we are trying to decide when we should finish our work here in Portugal. It's not just a theology for your twenties!
You are an excellent writer and your story drew me right in - I did not expect the shift, but it all came together in the end and I learned something new. Well done!
This was such a good read and highly relatable in many ways. I am on the brink of my 30s and feel so much of what you have beautifully put into words. Thank you for your vulnerability on this topic.
Using the literary tool of the chiasm to explore feeling stuck/uncertain/in the middle, and especially how that feeling plays out in our twenties (26 here, and I can relate!), is genius. I'd never thought about it that way before. Thank you, Chloe!
I’m 25 and this resonates deeply with me. I feel behind my friends as they get married and have children. But God is crafting something beautiful in this messy middle
This hits on so much of what I’ve been going through for a couple of years now. Writing brings us such community; I feel so seen in a season of confusion. Thank you!!
I’m so glad the words met you where you are. Even in the confusion, so much is quietly unfolding beneath the surface. Grateful to be reminded that I’m not alone in this either!
This is excellent and relatable! I love Marty Solomon's work, and I love talking about the messy middle of twenties... but never saw this connection. Thanks for sharing.
While I'm currently in my fifties, this essay spoke about my twenties as if they happened just last week. That in-between phase resounded with ambivalence and ambiguity. But it was also a period of discovery, deep reflection, and adventure. Thank you, Chloe, for this piece, for talking about the chiasm, the treasure in the middle. I could have used this essay some 25-30 years ago, yet I appreciate its relevance now. I'll be sure to look for carefully for the chiasms in scripture, around me, and right in the center of my life. With gratitude and blessings, Mark
Mark, thank you so much for these kind and generous words. It means a great deal to know the piece resonates across time and experience. I’m honored it spoke to that in-between space, and grateful for your thoughtful reflection. Wishing you continued discovery in every chiasm you encounter!
This was so good. I’m feeling in a similar place right now. I turned 29 and a half yesterday and the looming 30 is staring my down. My life is quiet, and I feel like I’ve sort of… plateaued? Spun out and got stuck on the edge of the road while the other cars are driving past? I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a life noteworthy- what are the notes that are worthy to be written about one’s life. I love the reminder that it’s not about outcome but about discovery. Thank you for this!
What a familiar feeling paired with such depth of contemplation. Absolutely with you and for you!
Thanks for inspiring me to lean into this work instead of panic run away!
Beautifully written! As another comment said, I don't think that this is merely a theology of your twenties. I think it is a theology of maturity. Being able to live life not as merely a checklist but as a course of discovery is highly important to anyone. Great job!
This is so good. I will turn 29 in August and feel exactly like what’s beautifully written here. I feel seen and it feels good that I am not alone! Thank you for this!
Thank you for this.
I am in my 60s, a long term mission worker, now in Portugal, and this so resonated with me - it applies to this in between time when we are trying to decide when we should finish our work here in Portugal. It's not just a theology for your twenties!
Love this, it’s how I read and digest the Psalms, looking for the gold nuggets!
I also have been thinking about chiasm! Thank you for sharing.
You are an excellent writer and your story drew me right in - I did not expect the shift, but it all came together in the end and I learned something new. Well done!
Chloe, very well written thoughts and clear expression of feelings. I’m with you, we ALL are insecure lambs finding our way, no matter the season. 🥰
This was such a good read and highly relatable in many ways. I am on the brink of my 30s and feel so much of what you have beautifully put into words. Thank you for your vulnerability on this topic.
Using the literary tool of the chiasm to explore feeling stuck/uncertain/in the middle, and especially how that feeling plays out in our twenties (26 here, and I can relate!), is genius. I'd never thought about it that way before. Thank you, Chloe!
I’m 25 and this resonates deeply with me. I feel behind my friends as they get married and have children. But God is crafting something beautiful in this messy middle
Indeed, he is! You're in such good company, existing in this interim space.
This hits on so much of what I’ve been going through for a couple of years now. Writing brings us such community; I feel so seen in a season of confusion. Thank you!!
I’m so glad the words met you where you are. Even in the confusion, so much is quietly unfolding beneath the surface. Grateful to be reminded that I’m not alone in this either!
I feel seen. This is exactly where I’m at. Thank you.
This is excellent and relatable! I love Marty Solomon's work, and I love talking about the messy middle of twenties... but never saw this connection. Thanks for sharing.
While I'm currently in my fifties, this essay spoke about my twenties as if they happened just last week. That in-between phase resounded with ambivalence and ambiguity. But it was also a period of discovery, deep reflection, and adventure. Thank you, Chloe, for this piece, for talking about the chiasm, the treasure in the middle. I could have used this essay some 25-30 years ago, yet I appreciate its relevance now. I'll be sure to look for carefully for the chiasms in scripture, around me, and right in the center of my life. With gratitude and blessings, Mark
Mark, thank you so much for these kind and generous words. It means a great deal to know the piece resonates across time and experience. I’m honored it spoke to that in-between space, and grateful for your thoughtful reflection. Wishing you continued discovery in every chiasm you encounter!