Today should be a post about a book I am reading. But because I have been busy and have been traveling, today's post is going to be a personal letter from me to you. I hope you enjoy.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.'" ~Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV).
This has been my favorite Bible verse for years. But I am just now starting to understand what it truly means. Today I want to share about what it's like to be 21, because it's different than being 13, 16, 18, or 20.
At 21 there are more doors opened for you. You are an adult at 18. But 18 is like having a driver's permit, there are things you still can't do. 21 is like you have your driver's license. You can do everything like get a cabin on a cruise ship, get a hotel room, and, what is most associated with being 21, you can drink.
I feel like now that I am 21 I should know where I'm going in life and what I want. When I was little I thought I would have been dating a guy for a year or two by now and we'd be talking about marriage. I thought I'd be done with college and working at the job I always wanted. Not still working in my associates degree and still single.
I never thought I'd get to travel and see as much as I have. And to be so close to my family. Plus only having one friend I can really rely on.
I know where I stand about drinking. It's wrong to drink if you're not of age because the Bible tells us to obey authority unless the authority goes against God (Romans 13:1 and Acts 5:29). The drinking age is not going against God. When you are 21 it's okay to have one drink here and there. Just don't use drinking as a crutch to get away from life. Don't get drunk because the Bible tells us to be of sober mind (1 Peter 5:8) and to not be a drunkered (Ephesians 5:18).
I learned quickly that no matter how strong you are the world, and the devil, can try to influence you and take over your life. Just like with a new driver that has their license, it's so cool to let people know that you're 21 and to be able to do all these things you couldn't before. But you have to stay connected to God or your life will snow ball out of control.
Also, a lot of people my age are getting married or engaged. Some people have kids and are starting families. It's really hard not to compare yourself to the people around you. I've often wondered if I should be worried about the fact that I'm not thinking about marriage and starting a family right now. But then I remember that all of that is what society says you should do and that each person is different.
I have prayed to God and asked Him to not let the desire of wanting a boyfriend and relationship take center stage in my life. I've even prayed not to have feelings for a guy until God is ready for me to settle down and be with my future husband.
It's okay to be single and independent at 21. After all, each person is different and God's plans are not our plans (Isaiah 55:8). God's plans are 100 times better!
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