Within the next 6 months, I have a niece and a nephew turning the age of twenty-one! It is a milestone in their life and it symbolizes the transition into adulthood. With twenty-one comes personal growth, new responsibilities and legal rights.
One is graduating from college at the end of the year and the other is working full-time at a restaurant. They both have separate goals and thoughts of life.
When I was twenty-one, I had been married all most three years and I was teaching pres-school, three year olds. This was my first job.. I was growing up fast.
Six months ago, I turned seventy. I am fifty years older than them. I have seen and done a lot during that time.
I want to give them some profound direction and words of wisdom. But I have none.
I want the best for them.
I do know you have to live your life to the fullest. They have a lot of life before them.
So as I think about turning twenty-one, I want to remind them:
1. Have fun and make good choicess.
2. Don't lose your values and your character. These are so important to who you are.
3. Be kind to others and especially yourself. Encourage others.
4. If you need help, ask for it. There is nothing wrong in needing assistance.
5. Work hard and focus on your school and/or your job.
6. Eat healthy and exercise. As you get older, you will be glad you did!
7. Follow your dreams. Embrace all the opportunities and challenges that will come with working and going to school.
8. What fuels your passion? This is who you are. God made you for a reason. Your DNA is not like anyone else.
9. Travel - traveling helps you to learn about people, new cultures, perspectives and learn about yourself.
10. Don't allow the words, "no"; "I can't do it"; or "it is impossible" to stop you. It is your attitude and how you will take life by the horns and solve the problem(s). You may fall, but you may also soar. The choice is yours. Remember Nike's slogan "Just Do It!"
11. Your job provides for you financially, but it does not define who you are. Do something you enjoy and you feel God has placed you there. If you do what you enjoy, you will be a success.
12. Speaking of success. Success is to be found in the way in which we live out our lives day in and day out. It is to be found as we pursue what God calls you to be and to do. Success is not the end of a process. It is how we undertake the process called life.
13. God knows your plans. Allow Him to direct you!
I am excited to see how you live your life.
The choice is yours.
You can make a difference!
