Two weeks ago, I began a series on
this list which was featured in Glamour magazine and inspired a book. If you have not done so, you should read
Part 1 and
Part 2 first. For Part 3, I would like to present what I believe is a better list of things to aspire to, not just before you turn 30, but at whatever stage of life you are in.
Note that this list is written from the perspective of and for fellow Christians. If you do not believe in the things of a Christian faith, then you won't agree with this list.
In your life, you should have...
1. Enough respect for yourself and past boyfriends to move past your former relationships. Do not pine over what used to be. Move on. If that person is meant to be back in your life, it will happen. If you are currently in another relationship, especially if you're married, that man should be the only man in your life.
2. Furniture that matches your needs, tastes, and finances. Whether that means buying something new, buying something used, or taking hand-me-downs. Don't buy something you can't afford. It's not worth it.
3. Modest clothing that does not cause your brother in Christ to stumble. Remember you are a lady and you are a witness of your faith. Even something as simple as how you dress can hurt your witness.
4. Enough confidence in yourself to realize that brand names and the latest fashions don't really matter. If you have a purse, suitcase, and umbrella that serve their function, then that's all you really need.
5. The understanding that you're an adult and you should act like one. You should be a role model to future generations. There are always people looking up to you.
6. A past that you will learn from. If you made mistakes in your past, learn from them and don't make them again. Use your experiences also to help others.
7. Money being put away into savings, but don't let it become an obsession. God will provide and take care of you. Don't forsake those in need to prepare for your future that you're not actually guaranteed to have.
8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account -- all of which nobody has access to but you. Unless you're married, in which case your husband should have access because marriage is about two becoming one.
9. A good work ethic. Have a good attitude about whatever job you may be working at, even if it's not what you would like to be doing. Always give an honest day's work and never take something you didn't earn.
10. The understanding of what category your friends fall into. Some friends will take different paths in life than you and this will change your friendship. They still hold a special place in your heart and it's a good idea to keep in touch, but understand that your friendship is not what it once was. Know who your true friends are and know the ones that you can share anything with. Don't hold grudges or resentment towards friends. It's hard to grow up and grow apart, but it is a fact of life.
11. The understanding that women are not objects put on earth for men's enjoyment. We were made with a purpose and in the image of God. Have respect for your bodies and save them only for your husband as God designed it.
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you gave up buying so that your money could be used in a better way like helping those in need.
13. The understand that you don't deserve anything. Everything that we have is because of the grace and mercy of God. We can lose it all in the blink of an eye. Don't take anything for granted. Appreciate what you have and thank God for everything, especially the little things.
14. Healthy habits. Your body is the only one you will ever have and you should take care of it.
15. The understanding that the world's standards are not the same as God's standards. If you are in the will of God, that is all that matters. Life is not about being "successful."
In your life, you should know ...
1. Who you are. Do not look for your self worth in other people or things. None of those things will satisfy you.
2. That God designed sex to be between a husband and wife. God also designed the family to consist of dad, mom, and (possibly) children. Due to sin entering into the world with the fall of man, many families do not look like this. Just like many other aspects of life do not look like God's original design.
3. How to handle multiple situations in an appropriate manner. Always remember that everything you do and say should reflect your relationship with Christ.
4. How to prayerfully consider the decisions in your life. You should always seek God when making decisions big or small.
5. How to appropriately behave around members of the opposite sex. This is not just for single women. Married women should also know what is appropriate.
6. The names of at least one missionary that you can pray for. It would be even better if you knew the names of more than one.
7.That it's okay if you can't do everything on your own. There's nothing wrong with asking for help. We have all been gifted with different talents and abilities. Lend yours when needed and be willing to use other people's when your unable to do something.
8. That God is the only one who can truly provide rest for your soul. He should be the first one you turn to in times of excitement and times of struggle.
9. That you were made by God just the way you are. He made you with a purpose and He has a plan for your life.
10. That your childhood does not determine who you are. If you had pain and hurt in your past, ask God to help you move on with your life and rise above it.
11. That love is more than just a word. Love is a verb. True love requires action. True love is self-sacrificing.
12. That flossing is awesome!
13. That you can't please everybody. There are always going to be people who disagree with you or don't like you. I'm not saying it's okay to go around being rude to people. It all comes down to discernment. If you're standing up for your beliefs or following God's calling on your life, then pray to Him to give you the strength to carry on even when you're all alone.
14. How to be humble. This could mean apologizing, serving, or a multitude of other things. Always put other people first.
15. That every person's life is of value. No one person or group of people are better than another. God called us to love others. He was not specific in who those others may be. We need to show love to everyone, not just those who are like us.
Thank you for reading this series. I would love to hear your thoughts.
*This
post is solely my opinion based on my convictions which are based on my
current relationship with God. I can respect your opinion if it is
different from mine as long as you are respectful to me.*
