I am reading a book that talks about a lot about parenting. Isn’t it odd that we aren’t given the ability to have children once we are older, wiser and are all set up in life, I thought. It all happens in a very messy stage of life.
By: Gabriela Yareliz
I was thinking about stages of life the other day, prompted by the book I am reading— Habits of the Household. I was thinking about how messy we are when we are young. How wise we can be when older. (It’s also true we can reach old age doing the same stupidity we did when we were younger).
It’s interesting that each stage has its own things that are in season. And they don’t necessarily make sense to us from the human perspective. For example, having children is something the young do. It’s also so interesting because it’s a time when most (especially those who have children young) are still figuring themselves out. A lot of stupid stuff is done in youth. Bad judgment calls and relational hurt, and still, even in a stage of potential immaturity, we are entrusted with high responsibility as humans. In this case and example— other humans.
One would think, logically, following this whole childrearing example, that maybe someone with more wisdom should do it. But by the time we have ample perspective and stability, you can be a grandparent biologically.
In having children young, there is a lot of potential for a lot to go wrong, and yet, that is how God designed it. I guess it keeps us all humble.
As I was reflecting on life’s seasons, generally, it was a reminder that God isn’t afraid of messy situations. He isn’t afraid of us growing together, even across roles and age differences. Across seasons and having (or lacking). He isn’t afraid of the messes we can make at each stage of life and maturity (or lack thereof). He can work with all of it. He allows us to life. (A crazy control freak would do things differently, you see. Trust me…)
God makes things work, even when they seem like they shouldn’t. There is provision when the math isn’t mathing.
I also think it places a high calling on us as humans. We aren’t excused to be idiots. In the childrearing example, it means we are called to a level of maturity and wisdom even in youth. This whole idea that young people can cause havoc and be reckless (and the idea that this is ok) doesn’t match the level of responsibility and potential at the age. We are also not excused from the consequences of our actions. A young person can create a lot of good and also a lot of damage (and damage with repercussions that can affect generations).
There is a lot that works this way in life. Each season has its ripe fruits to pick from, and it’s a responsibility on us at that season. Doesn’t have to be childbearing/rearing to carry the same weight. We are faced with a lot of choices that reveal character and eternity.
Our behavior and who we choose to become through our choices matters. The responsibility entrusted to us matters. Our selfishness and degree of selflessness matters. All of it has repercussions felt down the line like an echo.
It all matters.
It’s not foolproof or even designed to what a human would logically think of as “ideal” or “safe.” The messy work of becoming doesn’t seem to scare God. He meets us in it at every stage and in every choice if we allow Him to come close. He gives grace to us mere mortal idiots.
Whatever stage you are in, know that it matters. There is no stage of insignificance. Know that your choices have weight and consequences. Understand that the complexity and messiness doesn’t scare God. He is the God that meets us in the messiness called life. He meets us there because it matters, and He doesn’t leave us to fend for ourselves. All that matters is not easy. Life shows us this truth.
GABRIELA YARELIZ 