Maturity… WTH?

Two weeks ago my wife and I had our 21^st wedding anniversary. If you know me that is huge accomplishment to which I do not take lightly. What she finds in me is God's own personal mystery. Although our schedules have not let us properly “celebrated” I am looking forward to that time. But the momentous occasion made me aware that our marriage is now of legal age. What that means I have no idea but hope to uncover the possibilities. However, looking back of where we came from to where we are today, it’s been a journey. It’s been a miraculous journey through loved ones passing, children growing, and life’s unexpected interruptions. But it did spark my reflective juices of just what is maturity. Some of us go through life without it while others seem to acquire it a very early age. So here are my uncollected thoughts on maturity.

Maturity is something some of us have, some of us are still working towards, and some of us never get. Age doesn't necessarily bring about maturity. It’s more than just growing old, grey hairs or eating at Cracker Barrel at 5:00 pm.  Staying young, vibrant and fun has nothing to do with maturity. Maturity is not making the same mistakes over and over again. It is truly learning from all the things in life we have messed up. Like Chinese takeout can be warmed up in the microwaves unless one removes the little metal handle.  Maturity is finding joy and accomplishment in the success and growth of others.  I still find joy in whopping folks in golf, words with friends, and trivia but I mean winning in life. To help someone else accomplish their goals, be a better person, or improve their life is better than doing it yourself.  Maturity is looking at life with a huge amount of gratitude with more focus on what you do have than what is missing. It’s seeing good fortunes are blessings and recognizing what truly is important in life.  Maturity is talking less and listening more. But when you do talk say something important with grace and mercy. Last but not least, I think for me maturity is looking back at certain situations, actions, decisions and dark seasons in my life and saying, “yeah I was an asshole…”  while hoping I am less of one today than I was yesterday.. Off to the Cracker Barrel.. 

Peace out! Tommy