As someone who served in the Teenage Department in Church for seven years, I find that conversations with teenagers still help me see the mindset I once had and the growth that has happened over time.
I recall that distinct shift that happens when one clocks thirteen—the “I am an adult now” mindset. It was a big deal for me when I finally became a teenager because I loved acting like an adult. When older people would say, “You haven’t seen life yet,” I truly could not relate. Now, I know better 😅
Relating with teenagers reinforced a vital lesson: experience is a powerful teacher, whether gained passively or actively.
When you hear people speak, you are hearing the result of their experiences; things they have personally gone through, witnessed, or learned through books and media. These moments shape our thoughts and actions. Ultimately, maturity is less about age and more about the volume of lessons we have processed and integrated into our lives.
This is why some teenagers make more mature decisions than adults who are much older. Just as a CV tracks work history, we all have a “Life CV.” The good thing is that we don’t have to wait for things to happen to us to grow; there are countless valuable materials at our disposal to help us learn from the experiences of others.
Experience being the best teacher means intentionally learning from the past—both our own and that of others; through books, seminars, or simple observation, and working to become better because of it.
PS: Don’t be the negative experience others have to learn from; be the positive one.
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Light’s On 