Growing Pains

One day in elementary school I was on my way home on the school bus and I saw a guy friend of mine holding his stomach with a grimace.
 "Whats wrong?" I asked.
"I'm growing, so my body hurts" he replied.
I have to admit, I thought that was a pretty crazy answer. Anytime my tummy hurt, my family just said it was gas and that I needed to drink some tea (can you tell I was raised in a Caribbean household?). lol. Anyways, I have to say that lately I've been experiencing some growing pains myself.  Not physically, you guys, I don't think I'm getting any taller than 5'3 . I've definitely been experiencing some practical growing pains from God.
I used to sometimes ask God the question., "Lord, when will I feel like a woman? like a grown up?" When I learn how to drive and have my own car? When I graduate college? When I get married? When I have kids? When will I get to a point when I realize: hey Diana, you're not really a little girl anymore. You see, it's not that I act immature, far from it. The fact of the matter is that it's just so much easier to see people as progressive individuals in society  more-so than myself. Yup, I need to change my lenses. So...let's just say God has been pruning me, and teaching me ...a lot. He started with my identity, as I've written about in previous posts. First thing about growing up was realizing that my identity was in Him, Christ is my life, and no other. Now, I'm learning what I like to call...practical life skills. For real though. I'm learning how to budget, to cook, to exercise proper time management, self control, when to say no, how to be a diligent worker, etc. Let's just say God is really making me into the woman He has called me to be. A kingdom woman after His own heart. Admittedly, it's not always easy learning these lessons, but I trust that it is for my good, and His glory! In His faithfulness, He has blessed me with older Godly women who can counsel me in these areas. Such a blessing!!

So, be encouraged you guys. God is continually pruning us, and perfecting the good work that He has started in us (Php 1:6). He is the God who cares about the little things, and the huge things as well.  He is ultimately preparing us for Himself, and in doing so, He is also preparing us to be a blessing to others.Be Encouraged.He's not finished with you yet.