The Older I Get; the Smarter My Parents Get!

As we grow into adulthood and understanding is increased, we may experience and express the sentiment “The older I get; the smarter my parents get!” This is stated with full knowledge that nothing has changed about our parents, but rather we have now come to the realization that they knew more than we understood at the time. What as children we could not understand, we now as adults see the wisdom and reasoning behind many of the decisions our parents made.

Small children see everything as new. All things must be learned. In this egocentric stage of life, everything revolves around them. Things are perceived only by how the child feels its effect. What this child wants and when he/she wants it is of supreme importance. A failure of the parents to fulfill this desire may be perceived as a lack of love.

 As children grow they learn to have confidence in their parent’s ability to care for them. During this stage attempts are made to convince parents to furnish all their desires. By the time they reach their teens they may feel that they know more than their parents. Even when there is no rebellion there can be a sense that their parents just don’t truly understand. If mom and dad understood, they would see things the same way that the teen does. During this time the youth may also feel that the parents are withholding valuable things from them.

It is not until well into adulthood and often parenthood that one can truly begin to understand the reasoning behind many of the decisions parents routinely make. Thus, “The older I get; the smarter my parents get!”

 In some respects we can see the same progression in our spiritual growth. As a newborn child of God we have an extreme need to learn the principles that are found in God’s word. We are encouraged to, “Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2 AMP) We are now living a life that is so contrary to everything that we learned prior to entering a relationship with Jesus Christ. It takes time to truly learn to trust in our loving, Heavenly Father.

 Often we do not grow as quickly as we should. This may be the result of not spending enough time studying the Scripture or not allowing what we learn to transform our mind and attitudes. Examples of this occur in the New Testament. “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough [to be ready for it]; but even yet you are not strong enough [to be ready for it], For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses].” (1 Corinthians 3:2 AMP) We can remain spiritual infants for quite some time if we are unwilling to grow in our knowledge, love and trust of God.

 Studying the Scriptures, we will see that our wills need to be set down as we strive to follow the will of God. We will begin to understand the concepts of grace, truth and the unconditional love of God. Trust begins to grow as we learn that God desires only the best for us. “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP) Yet in some ways we have an idea of what that plan for the future should be. We may even come to a point that we feel we have things figured out. We may even doubt God’s love and concern for us when things do not work out the way that we had hoped or planned.

 Complete trust can be difficult during challenging circumstances. All we feel in the moment is a desire for rescue. When rescue does not come soon enough or another crisis occurs, we may become disillusioned. We have a level of trust and even this promise. “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP) Sometimes we know that God can do all things, but wonder why He hasn’t. Confusion and doubt can arise.

Throughout our lives we must continue to trust and learn more of our Heavenly Father’s love. Looking back at how He has delivered us time after time we will understand His faithfulness. After years of walking with the Lord, will be able to understand that His plan was wiser and more perfect than anything we could have conceived. Like King David we will be able to say, “I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread. (Psalm 37:25 AMP) We will now be able to admit that God always knew and did what was best.

If you’re currently wondering why God is allowing a trial in your life, simply trust Him. Someday you will be able to look back and see that everything He has done was wise and loving.