Adulting. Yes, it is a real word—not a contrived verb. You need not take my word for it—my “Go-To” authority on words is Merriam-Webster; Adulting; the act or practice of attending to the ordinary tasks required of a responsible adult. Adulting came to mind recently as my three grand children—two in Atlanta, and one in Colorado, found themselves learning Adulting. All three—having received higher education degrees, are now working; actually having to get up, dress up, show up, and work prescribed hours. And of course earn their own pay checks. They are now adulting.
I am glad they studied hard, played hard, made tons of friends, and explored much of the world. Now the page has turned. They will still work hard, but differently; their friends are scattered—they, too, are adulting (well, most of them), and new opportunities are coming. As Yogi Berri said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future. ” But this younger generation can, and I believe will, create a better world. They’re taking their Adulting seriously.
All three of my grands are working in areas that have sharp focus on the betterment of life, the world, and their lives–they plunge in with joy, enthusiasm, and hope, undergirded with compassion and courage. I’ve often quoted the late Bill Powell, the morning show DJ on WMAZ Radio in Macon Georgia. Bill’s cheery early morning voice fueled middle Georgia’s drive-times on GA 247 as he spun out tunes of the day with buoyant commentary. He often happily said, “I love this job! If I didn’t have to do it to earn a living, I’d do it for free!” Many a middle Georgia listener got their day started on a happier note because of Bill Powell.
Taking responsibility for one’s life and work is a big task. It takes courage. Not everyone takes adulting seriously. But I am grateful for those that do: First Responders, Teachers, Scout leaders, bus drivers; you can add to the list. (I did not include Congress—although there are many members of Congress that do their best to be adults).
There is an impressive story in the Old Testament about Queen Esther. She was a Jew, an orphan, raised by her uncle Mordecai. A plot grew out of nefarious schemes within the king’s court. The Jews would be annihilated (the king did not know Queen Esther was a Jew). As the plot was about to revealed, Mordecai called on Queen Esther for signifant adulting. What a dramatic display of adulting she attained! She spoke up to the King: by doing so foiled the plot, saved her fellow Jews, and opened windows of wonder. The Book of Esther is but ten brief chapters, yet “The Adulting of Esther” is dramatic and wonderful!
Jesus encouraged people to take responsibility. On one occasion Jesus saw a man lying near the healing pool (had been there for thirty eight years, )waiting for someone to help him toward its healing waters. Jesus and his entourage passed by; the man called out to Jesus for help. Jesus paused, turned to the man and asked, “Do you want to get well?” The man replied, complaining that no one would help him. Jesus told him to get up, and get going RWV (Revised Willis Version). He did. For the first time in his life he was adulting. It is never too late to start adulting!
© Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023