Reverse Adulting

LeeAnn Babirad / Creative Coach and Storyteller

I don’t know about you but adulting at any stage can take a toll on our childlike joy. An old friend once said, “Lee, you’re like the new age Mary Poppins for reverse adulting.” Quite frankly, it was a great compliment!

Over the last six months, I’ve inserted myself into serving with our Student Ministries. I wasn’t expecting to. I wasn’t looking for another place to serve, but God had other plans and I’m sure glad to have followed His lead.

As an adult spending time with our youth, I've learned that the essence of maturity lies in humility and openness to learning from every encounter, regardless of age. In Matthew 18:2-5, Jesus teaches about the importance of childlike faith, reminding us that true greatness is found in embracing simplicity and innocence. However, among the demands of adulting, it's easy to lose touch with this childlike faith. The responsibilities and distractions of adulthood can overshadow our sense of wonder and trust. Personally, interacting with our youth has served as a poignant reminder of this, prompting reflection on the ways in which I can reclaim that childlike faith and approach life with renewed curiosity and openness. My joy has been amplified and my faith restored in more ways than I can count.

Consider getting involved with Student Ministries, not only to be an example for them but also to allow their enthusiasm and unfiltered perspective to reignite your own faith journey. Together, we can encourage one another to reconnect with the innocence and trust that defines a childlike faith, enriching both our lives and those of the younger generation.

For me, serving in Student Ministries is not just about shaping young minds and showing them Jesus; it's about witnessing hearts igniting with faith and joy. But I’m also okay with considering it good exercise for reverse adulting.