Because You Are Young

This world strives to keep us discontent; always wanting more or something other than what we already have. The lie goes something like this: "When I have ______ or when I am ______, I will be happy. Then I will have 'arrived'". Meeting a person who is content is rare! Being content doesn't just apply to material possessions; it also applies to our season of life.

I have caught myself "wishing away" certain seasons in life. When I was single, I longed to be married. When we were engaged, I couldn't wait to be married. Now as a new-ish wife and mom, I find myself wanting to be more experienced; not to be considered a young new mom.

In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul wrote to Timothy about being an example for others in the faith despite being young.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 TIMOTHY 4:12
I don't know how old Timothy was when Paul wrote these words to him, but I do believe his words can speak truth into all of our lives.

"Young" is a Season

Being "young" isn't necessarily referring to age alone, but also to our season of life.

Leo and I are in season of new, new, new. Still considered newlyweds to some (2 years on May 19th! Woop!), new-ish parents, and new in town.

The dreaded "just wait 'til" comments started when we were engaged to be married and still pop up, even now that we are married and survived pregnancy and the first year of parenting! Just wait 'til the "honeymoon years" are over. Just wait 'til you have more kids. Just wait 'til you have teenagers!

There will always be people who look down on you because of your season in life. They are likely struggling with contentment in their own life and feel it necessary to discourage someone else.

Give them grace because we've all been there. When life is frustrating, it is tempting to be harsh with others!

Being an Example

To make the best of your season, focus on God's truth and what Paul shared with Timothy.

Glorify God today.

Mentor and encourage others that are in earlier seasons of life.

Seek mentoring relationships with believers who have been in your season.

Pray for contentment in your heart.
Godliness + Contentment = Great Gain! (from 1 Timothy 6:6)

Know that God has you in this specific season for a purpose. Rather than wishing it away, look for opportunities to glorify Him. Whatever your season of life, be encouraged. Live each day as an example for others in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
...

These days I'm embracing this holy-cow-I'm-a-mom ground-up-cheerios naptime-workout slobbery-baby-kisses irregular-sleeping season! I don't want to wish away the precious time I have with this boy.


What season of life are you in?
How do you embrace your season each day?

Linking up at Fellowship Fridays.

Comments

  1. well let me tell you now, don't let people rain on your parade by saying, "wait til the honeymoon is over" the honeymoon is a state of mind. it can be challenging, but during all the stages of life, the passion needs to stay alive. that is a good thing:) that is what keeps you young at heart, close as a couple and feeling alive:) each stage has its own challenges, but the challenge of a good, passionate marriage is one for the ong haul...before and after the child stage. we have been married 45 yrs. enjoy whatever your present is and don't let people rob your of its joy by their gloomy comments about your future:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for the encouragement, Martha!

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