"We're adults...when did that happen and how do we make it stop?" ~Grey's Anatomy
What does being an adult really mean? I mean, I've technically been an adult since I was 18...but have I?
I've experienced lots of things for only having lived 25 years: I've done my share of traveling--I've been to Canada, France, Germany and I've lived in Mexico and the Philippines. I've learned lots of life lessons from the people I've met in these places. I've spent 18 months living the Law of Consecration--something I didn't think I'd ever get to experience. I've seen what poverty can do to people and how having nothing generally increases one's capacity to love and have faith in God. I've studied at one of the best universities in the nation for many years now. I've studied the humanities, both in English and Spanish. I've studied the physical sciences along with lots of general studies classes. And you know what I've learned? The more I learn, the less I know.
I've lived away from home, essentially, for 6 years. I've learned to live with countless roommates--some I've loved and some that taught me patience and charity. I've had my heart broken several times and I learned that it never fully heals, but each crack left on the heart has special memories etched into it and I wouldn't erase those for anything.
I've learned that sometimes you're born into a family, sometimes you're adopted into one, and sometimes you create one, but you can love each equally. I've learned that life moves on--it flies forward at a steady pace and you can embrace the changes that come and allow yourself to experience new things and grow (no matter how painful that may be) or you can hold on to the past and stunt your opportunities for development.
I've learned that no one can put you down without your permission. This was a hard lesson for me to learn and I still struggle with it. But when I forget or get down, I have a loving Heavely Father who reminds me. You can fly and you can make a difference. All it takes is initiative and vision. Just do it.
I've learned that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is worth any sacrifice. This is the truth and it will roll forward unto all the end of the earth. If ever there was a cause worth supporting, even unto death, it's this one. And our message is simple: You are a child of God. He loves you. He has provided a way for you to return to live with Him. And it's simple: learn His commandments and obey them.
I know there is so much to learn, and I look forward to that adventure. But as I begin to close another chapter in my book of life, I stand here grateful for what I've learned and anxious about what's to come and excited that I get to have new experiences.
As I walked out of my grandma's house last night and headed for home, I took a deep breath of fresh air and stared out the stars. It was pitch-black and there wasn't a soul in sight. I walked home and began to realize that I'm gonna be okay. I've had my doubts, but I think I'm gonna be happy here. :)
