bringing forth

I am 21 and legally deemed an adult in the societies I live in. Well I believe the definition of maturity is not easily explained. It is certainly more than performing initiation rites, experiencing some 'things' which most others have not done yet or will ever do, and talking louder than your actions and attitude show.

So I am considered adult... I did not particularly look forward to this. It is like a birthday worth planning for, if only because of the company, and everything else... just came and went.

And then 2007 started and a whole host of responsibilities/duties/tasks/errands/things, or whatever you call them, came raining down on me. I wonder if there was a reason why they all came at once, in addition to what I have to do (yes I study. too.). For the past three months it has been packed schedules non-stop.

For posterity sake, I shall list what went on. Please do not take this as a self-referential boast 'See what I did!' because I could never have done if not for God and friends.
- work
- change flight date
- editing mum's resume
- find lost SIM card for Optus
- find apartment
- settle issues with previous apartment (bond, furniture, bills)
- apply for new SIM card for Optus
- go for multiple apartment viewings, calling multiple agents many times
- moving stuff into new apartment
- resolving rent and bond documents/money for new apartment
- apply internet
- computer crashes with internet virus
- scout for Windows recovery cds
- apply for new bank accounts because of lousy HSBC interest rate for savings account
- stocking up apartment with necessities, condiments for cooking
- changing address details for bank and university
- changing semester's subjects taken because of subject clash
- arranging semester timetable
- getting new university student card
- getting subject readers
- arranging for parents' visit to Melbourne later this year (though not much done)
- helping housemate get acquainted with studying and living in Melbourne

Maybe you thought I forgot about studying and assignments, but I didn't I am glad to add. The world really takes a lot out of you. It can be so not understanding, very uncompromising and definitely not the most loving place around. Hah. But I will never say I want to get out of here. That's escapism and a pathetic response to a place which was never hopeless to begin with. My family and friends are here and I love them. They were part of what made the past few months manageable.

I cannot say that because I 'did' the above I am now more mature and able to speak volumes more to those who are found wanting in this area. If I did so I am simply exposing my immaturity. It is not a revolutionary matter to fully grasp the intricacies of stocking up the apartment or other 'independent things that adults do'. What I learnt instead was the providence of my Father who foresaw the patch I went through and guided me through it with grace and love. Like a Father who understood the importance of discipline and letting His child learn from trial and error. I learnt the importance of having friends who prayed with me and for me, and assisted me through things I had little experience in.

I felt the maturity I attained in slight measure was mainly a spiritual and emotional one. In the most unresolvable of situations, when all odds are formidably stacked up against you; it was realising that it was about receiving support throughout the process of achieving the goal, than reaching the goal with as few scars and in as little time as possible.

Thank You Lord for covering me with Your grace and love. It was not easy, especially when what I prayed for didn't happen. But learning to trust You even more was the greatest gift of all. Of course what You blessed me with in the end, was far better than anything I expected.