Eighteen

by Angelo
(CO, USA)

Hello Everyone!

I hope all is well with you and your loved ones.

I am pleased to announce that, as of this month, I have reached the age almost every young person dreams of becoming: eighteen. When you are eighteen in America, you're old enough to subscribe to almost any magazine or sign up for various memberships. You're old enough to get your driving license without having to accumulate a given amount of beginner driving hours. Being eighteen means you’re old enough to bypass taking thirty minute breaks while working due to child labor laws. Being eighteen years of age also automatically makes you eligible to fight for your country. Despite all the new found freedoms and responsibilities I had earned that accompanied my double digits, I was still overwhelmed by the reality of who I had become, what I had missed, and what I had yet to face in the future.

It’s kind of a ritual in my family to evaluate our lives in past, present, and future on our birthdays. We often ask or answer questions such as “what have you learned,” “what are your goals for the future,” or “what wisdom would you like to share with your younger siblings.” Amidst the laughter of humorous stories recalled and the silence from moments ever life-changing yet forgotten, I have learned to cherish these “mirror moments,” as I sometimes call them. It is during these times that I have been reminded of “who I am”, “whose I am”, and “why I am who I am”. Of course I didn’t learn these lessons in just one sitting. It took hours upon hours of reflection and conversation to identify the power behind the name. I thank God for what he has blessed me with and pray that I can continue to grow and give.

I guess what I want you all to get out of this is patience. It is the greatest lesson and most valuable gift one can possess. Regardless of your age, I encourage everyone reading this to ask the Father for patience and the knowledge of its application. My mentor once said: “There are two things in life we don’t get back: time and space.” Learn from what you’ve lost, maximize what you have, and give that others may have more.

God bless,

AO