27 Things I Have Learned in 27 Years

So I turn 27 this week. And I don’t know whether I should be excited or not. As a kid, birthdays were exciting, kids want to grow up. As adults, we wish we could slow down time. But one thing is certain, the older the wiser and that’s a very good thing if you ask me.
So to mark this day, I thought I’d talk about 27 things I have learned in 27 years. To my younger readers, I just hope I can be like an older sister to you, for I wish someone had told me some of these truths in my younger days. Life is full of ups and downs but we are blessed to have Abba every step of the way to teach us along the way. Here we go!

[bctt tweet=”What advice would you give to the younger generation? ” username=”TheScribe_Blog”]

1. What you feed your mind and heart is what you will hunger for the most.

This goes beyond mere habit-forming. The more time you spend in prayer and in the Word, the more you will hunger for it. The more time you waste on non-edifying distractions the more you will seek them. And may I add, if you walk in the Spirit you won’t have time to desire the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). So spend more time with God and less time in entertainment.

2. What you lacked in childhood is not an excuse for the mistakes you’ve made. Own up to them.

Learn from the good, throw out the bad.

3. Less truly is more.

Having less has taught me contentment, selflessness, and gratitude. Not to mention that it has brought more peace into my life.

4. Illness strengthens your faith and draws you closer to God.

Being sick teaches you to rely on God completely. You become an instrument for God’s glory and that is perhaps the most beautiful experience you could ever have in this life. Self-sufficiency is an ugly thing which makes us forget God and breeds pride. It’s true, check out 2 Corinthians 12.

5. Complete obedience to God often means letting go of your desires to reap bigger blessings.

There is freedom in obedience. You no longer depend on your limited human knowledge for everyday life but on God’s unlimited wisdom. And this lifts up a heavy unnecessary burden from your life. Doing what you want only enslaves you to yourself and separates you from God. Also, you’re on your own because God does not protect those who walk in rebellion. Freedom begins with obedience.

[bctt tweet=”Complete obedience to God often means letting go of your desires to reap bigger blessings. ” username=”TheScribe_Blog”]

6. Unforgiveness cannot undo what’s been done.

Forgive, forget, and move on.

7. Serving and helping others during painful times helps you heal faster.

Focusing on others heals your pain and your wounds faster. We tend to become a little selfish when we’re hurting and it’s okay to grieve but don’t allow it to turn into bitterness. Helping someone else smile is good therapy.

8. You understand your parents better the older you get.

Your parents are humans too, don’t judge their mistakes. They’re trying their best to give you the best. Parenting is not easy.

9. Be grateful for everything even those little things that annoy you.

One day you’ll wish you had what you have now.

[bctt tweet=”Be grateful for everything even those little things that annoy you. One day you’ll wish you had what you have now. ” username=”TheScribe_Blog”]

10. There will always be a closer place where we can be at in our relationship with God.

Life is all about learning and growing. But then we shall see clearly what we now see in a dimly mirror. It’s not over ’til we are face to face with the Creator! (1 Corinthians 13:12)

11. Never assume you understand someone else’s pain or predicament.

Listen, be compassionate, and do not judge their grieving process and decisions. Pray for them instead, that’s the best way you can help them.

12. Being in a bad mood does not mean that you have to express it nor take it on someone else.

We all have bad days. Give it all to God and be patient!

13. When falsely accused don’t get angry, allow your actions to speak louder.

If the accusations are true, it’ll show, if not, it’ll show. Bring God into the situation through your words and actions. Allow His light to shine in you.

14. The hallmark of maturity is not how physically independent you’ve become (that’s the least of it) but in the realization and acceptance of how wrong you were about a lot.

I will allow this one to sink in.

15. Don’t seek to be noticed.

Don’t expect others to acknowledge your work and don’t depend on compliments to do your best or to validate your work. Anonymity gives so much satisfaction and peace. The best times in life happen backstage without applause.

16. You can always be more humble, more selfless, more patient, more caring, and more loving.

It is not always easy but we grow when we acknowledge what we lack.

17. Let your mom be a mom. (No, you don’t need to be a parent to understand this)

Yes, she will call you 5 times in 1 hour to make sure you’re alright and no, it won’t kill you to answer the phone each time. Moms are worriers and frankly, it’s not as a bad a thing as you think. No one will worry and care for you as much as your mom does. So do anything and everything to ease her mind.

18. Not everyone will understand your convictions and some will even criticize but that’s okay.

Seek to please God alone even when you’re alone in your seeking. Forsaking all worldliness will sometimes be a lonely journey but it’s all worth it!

19. A college degree is not necessary to be well educated nor to make a good living.

If you’re self-motivated and disciplined you can educate yourself and there are many jobs with decent salaries that don’t require a degree. Don’t feel pressured to go to college just because everyone else is going. School is not for everyone, but education is.

20. God is good ALL the time!

His goodness and faithfulness are not dependent on situations. Even when life seems to be crushing you and everyone has abandoned you, you can rest assured that God is STILL good. He is unchanging and there is peace in that.

21. There are more people who are receptive to the Gospel than those who aren’t.

Even with the rise of Atheism and the New Age, I have come to realize that there are many more people who are willing to hear about God and the Bible than those who want nothing to do with it. So let us keep sharing the Good News!

22. The only thing you should be desperate for is becoming more like God.

Sometimes we worry about earthly matters more than we do about becoming more Christ-like. Don’t sweat it friend, that spouse, that job, that place will come soon enough, Lord willing. Focus on God and you shall find rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)

23. The opinions of man don’t matter in the face of God’s truth.

Seek the Truth and live it out. What man says is one thing but the Truth remains whether others believe it or not. Don’t go after what’s popular, most people are wrong. Be careful, especially in these times.

24. Learn to grow where you are.

Stay where you are (location, situation, etc) even if it’s less than desirable (if it’s not life-threatening). Maybe God is calling you to stay for a greater purpose. So don’t be too eager to change your situation, you just might miss a bigger blessing.

25. Don’t base your happiness on a person.

Look to God for fulfillment and you will never be disappointed.

[bctt tweet=”Don’t base your happiness on a person.” username=”TheScribe_Blog”]

26. There is beauty and peace found in simplicity.

The older I get the more I appreciate simple living, simple everything. It’s life-changing.

27. The more I learn the more I realize how much more I still have to learn.

Learning is humbling because it sheds light on our ignorance and we become more aware of how much more there is still to know. And quite honestly, learning makes life fun!

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