Aging vs. Maturity

Aging is automatic, maturity is not.

I know this to be true, because sometimes, even now at the age of almost 40, I can act like a 10 year old. How embarrassing. I catch myself. I will react in a way that I did when I was a kid.

I suppose one good sign is that I noticed.

Be willing. Be conscious. Be uncomfortable. Be willing to face discomfort. Awareness is the first step.

Just like we don’t grow up physically overnight, we don’t mentally, emotionally mature overnight either. It’s step by step choices.

Maturity is not just learning how to behave and conduct yourself. We can do this and still be really immature.

Maturity is earned through conscious actions.

Maturity happens when we can set aside our pride and ego. Maturity happens when we love when we don’t feel like it.

Maturity happens when we choose to have a good attitude despite our circumstances.

Maturity happens when we admit we are wrong.

Maturity happens when we are willing to hear criticism. Maturity happens when we commit to something and follow through when the going gets tough. Maturity happens we get up and try again when we’ve failed.

Maturity happens when we choose to be gracious even if not deserved. Maturity happens when we sacrifice what we want for what we need. Maturity happens when we give of our time and resources for the benefit of another. Maturity happens when we forgive. Maturity happens when we choose to not complain and whine.

Maturity happens when we are willing to hear advice and wisdom from others.

Maturity happens when we serve.

Maturity happens when we trust in God.

Maturity is a step by step growth, there is a physical maturity, emotional maturity and spiritual maturity.

The physical happens automatically, the emotional and spiritual do not. It’s our daily decisions and how we react to what life throws at us, that ultimately helps us in our maturity.

I’m so glad God is patient with me when I have an emotional meltdown or I sulk and want to act like a 5 year old. God is helping me in my weakness, and knowing that I can get back up and keep running the race that is set before me. I can rely on Him for strength.

Maturity happens when we keep running the race. Quitting and standing still won’t do.

So keep running. Every hurdle you come across, know that God is your strength and you will jump those hurdles and if you trip and fall, get back up and keep running. Press on to the goal, the prize, the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Blessings and have a good weekend!

Johanna