Day 1: Adulting? Is that a Thing?

I am an adult. You probably are too.

But only recently did I realize that I've been adulting for quite a while—and that there are levels to this thing. That word, adulting, has become pretty popular.

"Adulting" is a colloquial term that emerged in recent years to describe the process of behaving like a responsible adult. It encompasses various tasks and responsibilities associated with adulthood, such as managing finances, maintaining a job, paying bills on time, cooking and cleaning regularly, and taking care of one's physical and mental well-being. Many people find humor in acknowledging these struggles, and the term has become a way to commiserate with others who are going through similar experiences. Books, blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels offer advice on various aspects of adult life, from personal finance to self-care.

The term hints to the idea that there seems to be a public crisis of finding adulthood perplexing. It makes you wonder: God, what is this adult thing all about? How do you do it? And how do you do it God’s way?

In essence, "adulting" is a verb that means to behave like an adult or do the tasks associated with being an adult. We have put an action verb as a placeholder for the natural phase of life that God takes us all through.

Though it’s kind of funny, I understand why we’ve given a catchy name to a regular state of life. If adulting has been a puzzle for you, as it has for me, I think I know why. It’s because being an adult can be challenging for several reasons.

Our responsibilities increase as we grow older.

Financial pressures can become complex and stressful.

The independence we once craved can be intimidating.

Juggling time between work, life, and other responsibilities can be exhausting.

Emotional well-being takes a hit as we deal with stress, anxiety, and even depression.

All of this can be classified as adulting. By now you’ve probably noticed the pattern of only referring to being an adult as “adulting” when we’re frustrated with the tasks of life.

But here’s the thing: God never intended for us to handle adulting alone. He’s always been there, waiting for us to turn to Him, to guide us through the complexities of life with His wisdom and love.

Reflections:

1. How do you usually react when faced with the challenges of adulting?
2. What challenges have you tried to handle on your own without seeking God's guidance?
3. What steps can you take today to invite God into your adulting process?

Affirmations:

1. I trust God to guide me through every challenge adulthood brings.
2. I am not alone; God walks with me in every stage of life.
3. I will seek God’s wisdom in all my decisions.