Adulthood is something that most people assume just happens. One becomes an adult when he or she reaches 18, gets married, has their first child, goes to college, gets their first steady job..... I suppose all of these things require a level of maturity, but all of these situations can happen to someone still in an "adolescent" phase. The world would have it that to become an adult means to be independent, to have a mind of your own and make your own decisions without counsel or help from another person.
So, just what is adulthood anyway?
Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin define it this way: "The hallmarks of adulthood are not self-will or self-expression. They are self-denial and self-government." A true sign of adulthood is knowing your place and being willing to submit to your God given authorities, thereby submitting to God Himself. Being an adult is doing what is asked and required of you, without having to be coaxed or prompted.
The question is: How would you define Adulthood?
2 comments:
Good Morning Miss Amanda!
Greetings from the coast! We woke to 50 degree temperatures here this morning...a far cry from last week's below freezing ones! Right now we are surrounded by a thick blanket of fog...and we can hear the lighthouse's foghorn in the distance...such a lonely, but comforting sound.
This is a wonderful post...and a great question. How do we define "adulthood?" I have to admit, even though I have been a wife for many years, and am a mother of three young men, there are times when I don't feel very much like an adult.
However, having said that, as a follower of Christ, I guess I view "adulthood" as the ability to understand, and thus, to carry out, the true definition of the word "modesty." I think that this generation has a different view of what "modesty" means...often limiting it to our outward appearance...but when you look at the definition of Noah Webster in the 1828 dictionary...you might be able to catch a glimpse at what I am referring to...
"Modesty-that lowly temper which accompanies a moderate estimate of one's own worth and importance; absence of self-assertion, arrogance, and presumption; humility respecting one's own merit. It is manifested by retiring, unobtrusive manners, assuming less to itself than others are willing to yield, and conceding to others all due honor and respect, or even more than they expect or require.
Modesty, as an act or series of acts, consists in humble, unobtrusive deportment, as opposed to extreme boldness, forwardness, arrogance, presumption, audacity or impudence."
I believe that when we can understand the term "modesty" and truly attempt to live our lives in this way...we are able to take the focus off of "self" and truly submit to the will of our Lord...not so much out of a sense of duty...but so much more out of love.
Just a few random thoughts on a foggy Maine morning...
On another note, Daniel and Joshua had so many nice things to say about the Denny concert when they returned home Sunday evening...my husband and I were sorry that we missed it! We will have to try to make it to the next one. They commented on how you all made them feel so welcomed...and that it was such a joy to meet all of you in person. Isn't it amazing how the Lord brings His children together! He is truly so Good!
Have a lovely day!
Sweet blessings,
Mrs. Laura
Hi Amanda! Just wanted to stop by and see how y'all are. Are you coming to the Economics conference in March?
Have a great week!
To God be the Glory,
Hannah
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