In 1 Corinthians 13:11, Paul said: “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
Paul’s desires on things changed as he matured. True, he was speaking largely of spiritual growth and maturity, but the physical certainly applied as well.
We will very shortly be bidding adieu to the year 2014 and welcoming into our midst the year 2015. I am certain that many will hate to see this year come to an end, while others cannot see it conclude fast enough. And, just like Paul’s desires on things in general changed as he grew and matured, I have found that our desires concerning the new year also change as we age and mature.
When we were children, we all wanted to be allowed to stay up till the stroke of midnight so we could see the fireworks go off and the new year come in. My children are still in that stage. But now that we are older, truthfully, we really just want to tape the entire thing, go to bed at 9 p.m., and watch it all tomorrow.
These conflicting desires between parents and children provide for some argumentative moments. My consoling thought, though, is that one day we may be living with them, and the tables will be turned. I can only imagine my son’s consternation as his children and his parents both whine to be allowed to stay up.