YA

Young adults. No one who has known me for a long time would guess that I would have a heart for young adults in any way, shape, or form. This is definitely something new for me.

I hated being a young adult. I felt awkward, young, naive, stupid, untrained, fat, unattractive, etc. And frankly, when I looked at most young adults during that time, I saw alot of the same traits (i.e., naive, stupid), but I mostly thought most other young adults seemed more fortunate, prettier, more accepted, etc. My young adult years were spent in the Metro Detroit area of Michigan -- a place where many young adults never seemed to grow up. I was independent as quickly as possible, though not in the most advantageous way.

The young adults I associated with -- my friends -- were pretty much partiers. We loved to go out to the bars and dance the nights away (or watch the dancing in some cases). I must admit, I love good dance music played very loudly, and I love to dance, though I don't do that in the bars anymore! I remember many a winter night, where it was dangerous to be on the road sober, much less in the state we were in.

Amazingly (search for irony coming up), I did not meet the nicest young adults.

Fast forward 20 years. I am living with 7 young adults that are attending Vanguard Bible College. I lived with 5 young adults last year. And I have to tell you, my attitude has done a 180 degree turnaround. These young adults, who are attending bible college, getting a strong faith foundation, have totally impressed me. I don't claim to have an understanding of them, but in talking with them, I am totally impressed with their authenticity. Not that they are perfect, mind you, but they are "real" to me. The young adults in my past were plastic and seeking an obvious self-gratification. These young adults are seeking a good foundation for their growth into the ministry. I am wow'ed and just a little bit jealous and yearning to do it all over again, but better.