Finally Grown The F**k Up

I know what you're thinking when you read the title, and I can explain that. If you're not buying it, then f**k you too. That should be all of the profanity I use in this post.

How did I realize (after nearly 34 1/2 years) that I have finally grown up? Was it getting married? What about caring to know that my wife relies on my sometimes unspoken direction, even if she knows deep down inside that she is right? Or even getting our house? Let's not forget the unforeseen children God may bless us with one day down the road? For me, I think it was a combination of things that have happened in said 34 1/2 years of life on Earth. We all know my days haven't been exactly linear in direction, as some were beyond my circumstances and control and others were the end results of my mistakes. Sometimes I even did the right things and had to rely on faith more often than not!

One discovery in realizing that I had finally grown up was having to take care of two of my nephews while my sister-in-law was supposed to be getting back on her feet. It also showed how much I could do/take on very little sleep and be able to manage our primary systems at the job. The last thing you want to do is keep a twelve- and a ten-year-old inside the house because I was unable to score them a little bit of playtime after finishing their homework. As much as I love Joshua and DeShawn, I was happier when we got our pad back to ourselves; trust me, the boys are fine.

Another one comes from my wife herself. I met Chastity at our alma mater Henderson State many moons ago, and what she remembers in 1997 versus what you see now in 2013 are two vastly different people. I won't say improved, but different. Had I not evolved, I'm pretty sure she wouldn't have thought about dating, let alone marrying me. After knowing each other for nearly sixteen years, it's pretty safe to say she knows me. I'm able to have fun and remain a bit serious when I need to, but the greatest thing is that she's got my back no matter what.

My journey in being a grown man has obviously not ended since there are so many teachable moments out there - seen and unseen - but I do feel better about it daily. Being an adult means a lot more than your age; it symbolizes the point of being able to prioritize and yes, putting away those childish things we all have read in our Bibles from 1 Timothy 13:11. Gone are the days of the candy paint, Fosgate stereo systems, repping my A Phi O, and trying to sleep with every woman walking; manhood puts a new perspective on certain things. This is why I don't understand why some folks do all they can to chase a fleeting memory. Sure, 21 was a wonderful year, but if I didn't learn better, then I'd likely be immersed in being a drunken frat boy who chased more tail than a deer hunter during open season. It's just a matter of being able to realize the seasons our lives are in (spring, summer, fall, winter).

Follow me on Twitter @cedteaches