Culture says that 30s are the new 20s. People are getting married later in life, having children later in life, doing things that the earlier generations did in their 20s, are now happening in their 30s. Culture says that 20s are a time to have fun. It doesn't matter the job you have. You only really need to think about that when you are married and need to support a family. This job is just a job. Who you date isn't important either - you're not really going to marry that person anyway; this is just for fun. 20s are just an extension on your teens. Go have fun! So you know, culture says those types of things...
I can honestly say that I have never had that belief system. But my actions haven't always reflected it. The "my life hasn't really started yet because I'm not married and don't have a family and a house..." mindset has crept in... and sadly, I have acted on it. Have I made the most of my 20s?
I have hit a late-20s crisis.
I said 3 years ago that I wanted to use the time of singleness to serve God in ways I can't when married. I remember listening to a Betsy Walker song, Precious Hour. I remember praying that I would not waste this time. That it IS precious. It IS a blessing. And God has called me to be a good steward of my time and place in life; this time and place in life that He considers good, precious.
Precious Hour - Betsy Walker
I know Your eyes have searched the world
And may they rest on me
With my luggage only lightly filled
And feet that are free
I want to love You as I am
While I can offer both my hands
Cause someday You may give one hand away
But a moment to be single minded
But a season to be undivided
Oh precious hour, oh precious hour
Let me not wander
Let me not squander
I am in a place without responsibilities of kids. Without obligations. This stage of life is precious. And I don't want to waste anymore. I have realized that there are certain things in my life that are not life-giving, but life-taking. Those things need to be balanced appropriately in order to serve God and love people in a holy way. Making decisions to allow myself to be in the place that God can use me. And being intentional about serving Him. I want to be done wasting time.
Cleaning out and packing up... it's hard. And some people don't get it...
But it is worth it. Because your 30s are NOT the new 20s. Your 20s are not just for playing. During these years I have the opportunity to grow in relationship with God. I do not have to worry or spend time on a relationship with a guy. I have the time to spend just me and God. I have the time to deepen relationships with friends. Serve the community. I don't have to worry about coming home to feed my children. I have flexibility to stay out until 10 pm on a work day loving the community. Although I often times don't see it this way, but these years or flexibility and no obligations are a blessing. These years are an opportunity to become more mature, become more Christlike. I don't want to look back and see that I wasted it. That I was too concerned about having fun or (what is more likely the case) too stressed and working too many, unnecessary hours at work. In reality, this time is like any other time of life. They are short, precious years that God has given to us. To know Him. To love Him. To serve Him. And to bring Him Glory.
Lord, give me the wisdom on how to live these precious years of my life in a way that will deepen my relationship with you and bring glory to Your Name.
