“The older you get, the more immature you get.” - Ephraim Ferreira (12 years)

My younger son attends a middle/high school. When he came home from school, we asked how his day was, and he responded, “The older you get, the more immature you get.”  After a brief chuckle, we had to chew on that response. On its face, it did not make a lot of sense because as we get older, shouldn’t we get wiser?

Yet, in his interactions with some high school students who were making fun of his favorite teacher, my son was able to discern this was childish behavior. If a 12-year-old can realize when childish behaviors no longer suit him, certainly adults should be able to recognize when their words, choices, and actions are misaligned with who they are called to be as leaders.

His statement was timely, considering we were preparing to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday on September 9th.  We had a wonderful time honoring him and his life to this point.  So many people took time to recognize his impact on their lives over the decades personally. Reflecting on the celebratory events, I was glad we did not downplay the moment and made a big deal of it.  It turned out to be a memorial for him and a weekend to remember.  I doubt he will forget us celebrating this birthday for the rest of his life.

It prompted a time of reflection and thankfulness. There is beauty in remembrance, especially when it comes to moments that are not likely to happen again. Times of memorial are essential because human memory can be selective and short-lived. We can forget all the good people (and God) have done, even the good God brings through trials, and instead choose to focus on the negative. But God sends us reminders. Each breath we take, the rainbow after a storm, and the times He saved us from ourselves are consistent memorials of His faithfulness.

As parents and leaders, we are not living just for ourselves. We set the example by demonstrating how we celebrate and remember our victories, disappointments, and everyday life. What example are we setting in life's routine, mundane “moments”? Not everyone makes it to 50 years of age. It is easy to take the gift of life, friendship, and fellowship for granted. By pausing and intentionally celebrating these rites of passage, different moments that usher us into new seasons of life, we are enriched, and our perspectives are widened.

So wherever you are in life, whatever transitions you are facing, embrace them, knowing trials come to strengthen our faith. Celebrations are important to memorialize our journey with gratitude to the One who helps us overcome.

What memorials are you going to build and celebrate this year? Is it a significant birthday or anniversary? Maybe a graduation, relocation, new job, or promotion. Maybe you endured a loss and simply need a moment to process, heal, and remember better times. In all our circumstances, let’s become more mature through them, refusing to be immature as we get older.

#ritesofpassage

#parenting

#leadership

#memorials

#remember

#celebrate