Gone are the Youthful Years

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me."

- 1 Corinthians 13:11

I remember quite fondly the first time I stepped into my degree life not so long ago. I clearly remember hunting down familiar faces and sticking with them. I also clearly remembering that the person that I thought didn't want to have any conversation with me became my best bro. The youthful years have passed.

This year marks the end of many things. And as it so often is with may endings, they make new space for new beginnings.

Gone are the years of Degree Life. They have sped by like a sparrow fleeing a hawk. It felt like just yesterday that we were all strangers in that little crowded room eyeing the faces of our future friends. Now here we are three years after. We've definitely changed. People moved on, people stayed, and I'm glad for every one of them. I'm glad for the new friends especially - for the gang of psychos that I know will go far in life. These psychos are the ones who have taught me the most in life. They have taught me that age is no restraint. They have taught me what it means to look out for one another. They have taught me the importance of balancing studies and leisure. They have taught me to have an end goal in mind. They have taught me that it is better to focus on building relationships that matter. They have taught me how to correct without hurting. They have taught me how to have a good time. I owe them all greatly. I would name them but it would only spoil the mystery. You psychos know who you are.

Gone are the years of sidelines. This year as a leader of a youth group has taught me the importance of many things. The importance trust and the importance of planning. The importance of correcting without discouraging. The importance of peace and the importance of supporting. The importance of teamwork and the importance of grace. The importance of bridges and the importance of bonds. The importance of strong leaders and the importance of following.

Gone are the years of idealism. This world is greyscaled, and it is time I realize that.

Gone are the years of ignorance. This nation won't change unless it starts with me.

Gone are the years of waywardness. It is time to know what I want and set a goal to reach it.

Gone are the years of wandering. No more time to waste as the youthful years have passed.

Pretty sure that there are many facets of the youthful years that need some doing away with, but the rest remains personal. All in all 2013 was an eventful year in which true colors were revealed and realizations were met. Though some things that were realized aren't really the nicest colors in the world, I shall accept them all as lessons nonetheless. To the people who have stuck by me throughout this year, thank you for being part of this journey of growing up. To the people who joined in my journey this year, welcome aboard and let's learn together. To the people who have gone away, may we meet again on better terms.

So Youthful Years, I bid thee farewell as next year shall herald in the beginning of working life *shudders*