After this week I will never be a teenager again. In one way that feels absolutely insane, yet in another way it feels like I’ve been past the “teenage” years for a while now. For whatever reasons, most people that don’t know my age yet have thought that I was in my mid-twenties anyway; so I guess I shouldn’t be so consumed with the thought. But nonetheless, I am both nervous and excited about this next big chapter in my life. Is there such thing as a one-fourth life crisis? I don’t know man, but it sure does feel like I’m having one and it just recently hit me. The stage is set, mistakes of all kinds are to be made, relationships are to be found and lost, goals are ready to be attained or slipped through my fingers, disappointments ready to sink in, victories ready to be celebrated, and God who is ready to be by my side through it all. So even though I’m all in my feelings, here are a few thoughts of mine before stepping into my 20s.
My first thought is wow…time is such a weird thing. Certain days are just a big trip down memory lane- whether it’s because I went somewhere, saw something, or even just thought about something or someone that sparked the reminiscences. And typically, when these come to mind, in one way they feel like light years away, yet on the same token they feel like just yesterday. And also, even though it’s not like twenty is old or anything, I’m already beginning to experience the reality that time goes by faster the older you get. For some reason now, the months feel like weeks. Before this next big chapter in my life, I’m going to prepare myself to slow down. Slow myself down, and slow the days down by enjoying the little things and letting myself experience all life has- the good and the bad. I know there are some things I just can’t control but from this point on, I will be more conscious about doing what I can. “…What is your life? For you a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)
The next thought I have is man, I just want to be myself. I think every last person on this earth is guilty of acting like something they really aren’t at least at times during their teenage years. I’m not an exception. But I want to be over it now. At times, I have straight up tried to manufacture a level of respect from others and I’ve tried to be liked by all. We hear the talk about having haters ALL the time. To be honest, I’ve always thought that those people are just saying things to deflect from the valid reasons they have haters. But now I’ve realized that no matter how much integrity you walk with and no matter how hard you try to be the best person you can towards others, every person will have critics. I’m going to go into this next chapter of my life being the best I can possibly be- and that will be enough. I am who I am and I represent what I represent. The critics will be there- I need to start learning to tune them out.
My final thought is quick and simple: I. am. ready. Yes I’m nervous. Yes I am going to make some stupid decisions during this next decade. Yes there are a trillion things to think about. But I’m excited and I’m ready for this next chapter because I have the chance to set the course for the rest of my life. I have the chance to begin to fulfill the plans that God has had for me before I was even conceived. I’m ready to impact many lives. I’m looking forward to my 20s all in all. Let’s go.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
