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| Going
And Growing The Right Way
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Believe it or not,
I was young once. I remember some things about being young
that were not easy; in fact, downright perplexing. I remember
when I reached puberty. I didn’t understand what was
happening to me. I didn’t understand all these new feelings
I was having. New things popped into my mind without
permission, stuff that had never been there before. I began to
notice things I had never even thought of before. It was a
difficult time for me. I think it must be so for most all
youngsters–if they’d just admit it.
Times were about as difficult when I began dating. Confusion
set in with a vengeance. Who should I date? Why did I feel an
attachment to some and not to others? Why was I not as
attractive to the ones who were attractive to me? Why did
Johnny Green get all the looks? And why did Waydelle Hill get
all the athletic ability? And why did some of the more
“earthy” girls seem to have the most attraction? My head
was a mess.
Decisions are hard when you’re young. I suppose I’m taking
somewhat of a chance, but I want to give some advice. You can
take it or leave it; but it would be wise for you to consider
it–for a little while anyhow. I wish someone would have
impressed these things on my mind when I was young.
Be careful about making decisions based on physical
characteristics. Just because someone is good looking
doesn’t mean they are good. Look for someone with character.
That person will look good longer. Character lasts, looks
don’t.
Be careful not to confuse lust with love. Lust is
fleeting; love is lasting. Lust will deceive; love is always
honorable. Lust is temporary; love endures. Lust disappears;
love never does. Lust is sometimes confusing; love is easy to
explain.
Be careful about moving too quickly. Many a good life
has been ruined because someone made a hasty decision. Take
your time. Make sure.
Be careful about promises. When someone says, “I
love you,” make sure it’s so before you do anything about
it. There’s more to love than a mere affirmation.
Be careful where you’re headed. A good relationship
is based on common interests, common pursuits, common hopes
and dreams. Most of all, it’s based on common sense. Don’t
be deceived into seeing only what’s in front of you. Look
out. And, above all, look up.
Be careful about priorities. Is this person
interested in spiritual matters? Is this person faithful to
spiritual obligations; does he/she pray? Does he/she often
discuss spiritual matters? Does this person have a Bible and
does it show some wear? These are important questions.
Find someone to help you go to heaven. Remember, “If you
miss heaven, you’ve just missed all there is.”
Dee Bowman
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Copyright (C)
2009
Southside Church of Christ
All rights reserved.
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