When do parents consider their children all grown up? Is it a specific age, particular event, or experience that has to happen? Our government considers our kids adults at 18 years old. Having to file their own taxes for the first time should be a rite of passage to adulthood.
My youngest, Tegan, has done a lot of adulting since she graduated from university. She found a job and an apartment to live in with her friend. She has been fired (unfairly) and felt kicked out when her roommate decided to break the apartment lease. She found a better job and a great townhouse with other friends.
From all those experiences mentioned, Tegan has certainly grown up but her latest event has me convinced. The used 2007 Prius she drives stopped running. A week before she started having problems with the Prius, she said the Holy Spirit told her that she won’t have this car forever. So with that and having to replace the fuel tank, she decided to use the money to fix the Prius as downpayment for a new car.
I expected her to get another used Prius because that was all she talked about after she got back from the dealership that was supposed to fix her car. That night, she went over her savings and budgeted how much she could afford to spend. The next day, she wasn’t dressed to go car shopping, so she ended up borrowing one of my dresses. Later, her dad texted that they found a car, it wasn’t a good deal but getting more car than expected.
I was shocked when Tegan drove her new car on our driveway and parked next to her brother’s car. It wasn’t a Prius or a Corolla. She said, “God gave me a Camry!” All the Priuses she saw the other day were sold and the salesperson said that this car should last her another 20 years. Even though her trade-in wasn’t working, the dealership gave her some money for it. She looked very grown up getting out of the Camry wearing my dress.
She was extremely happy, thanking Jesus for being able to get a car without credit history, and also shocked at what had just happened. She said when she sat in the Corolla, it just didn’t feel right but when she sat in the Camry, she knew right away that it was the car for her.
Tegan trusts God to help her with the finances since the car was over her original budget. She drove us around on Father’s Day and it was a nice comfortable ride with 5 adults in the car. Just like when my oldest came home with a brand-new car (see “Independence Day” post), I was happy to see another adult ready to take on the responsibility of owning a new car.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the opportunity to experience Your children grow in maturity. Help us to continue to trust You in leading them in their journey. May we all grow up to be like Jesus.
In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Verses
Exodus 30:14 Everyone from 20 years old and up must pay
James 1:2-4 Consider it joy when you fall into trials because it produces endurance
John 16:13 The Spirit of truth will tell you what is to come
James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask God and He will give it to you
Luke 14:28 Sit down first and compute the cost before
1 Timothy 2:9 Women are to dress in suitable apparel
James 1:17 All generous and perfect gift is from our Heavenly Father
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord
Song
“Live Like You’re Loved” by Hawk Nelson is a song we should listen to whatever age or stage we are in.
Call to action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then read Hebrews 5:11-6:12 about the need for spiritual growth and tell us your thoughts.