Not Your Average Adult

What really qualifies someone to be an “adult”? After all, there’s no special test or even a manual. Is being an adult a classification that we just receive once we turn a certain age? How do we know? I remember getting a taste of “real” adulthood when I started my first job as a senior in high school. It made me feel closer to adulthood–not because I was making my own money, but because I had to start taking responsibility. Even still in my mid 20’s, I have a habit of “rewarding myself” when I do something I think is “adulting.” For example, get the oil changed in my car: go to Starbucks. Go to the bank: go shopping. This sounds fun, but “adulting” is so much more.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-
His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2

I love this verse! Entering adulthood, I was faced with many opportunities, good and bad. I had to take responsibility for my actions, decisions, finances, and my future. I had to start doing things for ME and had the realization that no one was going to do life for me. To me, being a “real adult” started with taking responsibility for who I am and what I want to be, including taking ownership of my relationship with the Lord. Sometimes, when I think of all my responsibilities, I am frightened that I am not making the right choices. But that is why I love this verse so much! It gives me the reassurance that if I make God’s intentions my own, His will for my life will never fail. There is nothing I can do to hinder God’s plan for my life. As I navigate this thing called “adulting” this one thing remains: Seek God above all.
One day, I was video messaging my friend and telling her that I ran a bunch of errands that day and was rewarding myself with Starbucks for “adulting.” She said, “Francesca, you’re 25. I don’t think you can say you’re “adulting” anymore.” I laughed (as to not cry a little), but she opened my eyes more than she realized. All of that to say, it gets easier, friends. The oil changes, the paying bills, the important phone calls…it gets easier the more you practice. How do you get through “adulting”? Let God guide your steps, guide your decisions, and give you the courage (and patience) you need to be an “adult.” My challenge to you? Don’t be your average adult. Let God mold you into the “adult” He created you to be.
It is time to take responsibility.
What are some things you need to take responsibility for now in this stage of your life?