“Part of growing up is realizing you learn to love so many people. It’s about forming those relationships and finding what will last forever.” ~ Dylan O’Brien
Where did you grow up is a common question asked in social settings and during introductions. A better question to ask is, when did you grow up? Even though we physically grow up in the natural progression of life, growing up emotionally, mentally, and spiritually takes on a different meaning. Many variables inhibit our ability to mature in life. Many of us are victims of poor parenting, rugged surroundings, and challenging circumstances. For some, the discovery of street drugs, king alcohol, and sexual appetites at early ages stunt our growth. It’s not uncommon to become an adult and still have a child’s emotional, mental, and spiritual level of maturity.
So, let’s reflect on this vital question, when did we grow up? Furthermore, we are not talking about physical growth; but referring to emotional, mental, and spiritual growth? Still, we may even have people in your circles that question our level of maturity and hope one day we do grow up. It’s one thing to remain young at heart, but hopefully, one day soon, we all grow up; because our families, communities, and God count on us to be faithful and mature human beings. To fully mature, we must have God’s help. Our self-centeredness, individualism, and consumerism will clutter our thinking and delude our focus, and we’ll end up lost chasing worldly status and possessions. When we come to the end of ourselves, we have earned the chance to grow up finally.
Let me ask you the question one more time, when did you grow up, or maybe the better question is, are you ready to grow up?
Pursuing help through secular, recovery, and religious pathways are encouraged and a sign of strength, not weakness. We need all the help we can to mature into the person God always intended for us to become. God gave us professionals, churches, and each other as a means of grace to help us mature. We would be wise to use what these people and institutions have to offer because it will provide the healing and comfort we desperately need.
God of love and maturity, thank You for Your patience and grace. We are slow to mature for reasons inside and outside our control. Please forgive us, help us quit relying on the nipple of the world for maturity, and learn to live on real spiritual food. Please remove the shortcomings that stand in the way of our ability to emotionally, mentally, and spiritually mature. For those suffering from differing abilities, we pray boldly for their healing and support. In Your Name and Spirit, we pray these things. May Your will not ours always materialize, now and forever. Amen.
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