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6 Things I've Learned at 26

“Be courteous to all but intimate with few and let those few be well tried before giving them your confidence.” -George Washington

Growing up, I always wanted to be older. Now as I get closer to 30, I want to be younger. It's amazing how the tide turns! This is my 26th birthday and there are certain lessons you learn along the way that makes life meaningful. I've always carried a journal and I document everything, so I've been reflecting on the present season that I'm in. There are a few questions that I always ask during my birthday: Who am I? What am I doing? Am I being effective? What does effectiveness look like for this season of my life? Who am I becoming? What do I need to know at this stage of my life? What do I value? What frustrates me? What problems should I be trying to solve?

These are just a few of the questions I grapple with on the road to the next chapter of my life. They are not easy questions. They require deep reflection, honest analysis, and internal integrity. Every new season requires a fresh perspective and the ability to discern where you are and where you're called to be. This is extremely important. Because where you are now, you won't be five years from now. Ten years ago, I was preaching all over my city with an Afro and glasses and wrote my first book. Today, I'm a College graduate, pastoring a growing congregation, and will be married in October. Time flies! And just as the times change, your desires and goals also change. How do you know where you are going if you never ask the questions?

This year, I've distilled a few of the lessons I have learned into an applicable set of nuggets that are easy to share with others. I hope that one of them inspires you on your journey.
  1. Cherish every moment. Sometimes in the rush to get the next thing accomplished, we don't cherish the moment we are in. Life moves. You literally can blink and everything you thought was normal is GONE. Appreciate the season you're in and maximize it to the fullest.  
  2. When Seasons change, don't try to solve them! In this last year, I have grown in so many ways and I've learned that you cannot solve the past. You can learn from it, but you have to move forward. As seasons change, sometimes relationships do too and you have to learn to navigate the transitions and be content moving forward in your life. You cannot be held hostage by a season that is no longer there. Release it and move forward.  
  3. Thoroughly understand the WHY. Oftentimes people give advice based off of what they see. This can be destructive at times because they fail to understand the WHY behind what is being done. I've learned that understanding the WHY is sometimes more important than the HOW. Most advice is autobiographical and can distract you from your assignment. Use discernment in your decision making to know WHY you're doing what you're doing.
  4. More is caught, than taught. Years ago I was under the mentorship and guidance of my grandfather. Back then I had the luxury of having him 24/7. Since I lived with him, it was easy to have his fountain of wisdom at my disposal. After his transition, my learning became more decentralized and I have various individuals that I receive insight and counsel from. As a result, I catch more now than ever before but it comes in an entirely different way. Impartation doesn't happen in a vacuum. You have to always be open to catch the principles and find ways to apply them.
  5. Friends are fewer than you think! Whenever you enter a season of promotion, it exposes your true friends and enemies. Since my engagement, I've realized how small my circle really is and to trust very few. My fiancée and I have had to really cover each other as we prepare for marriage and the onslaught of challenges by those whom we thought had good intentions. Adversity comes with the territory and we've had to discern who and who not to trust. Jesus told us to love everyone, not trust everyone!
  6. Everyone can't go with you. One of the hardest things I've had to learn is that my PATH is my PATH. Everyone doesn't have my worldview, ministry philosophy, or dreams. And I've had to release people in my life to be where they are even though that's not where I am. Sometimes the hardest thing in the world is wanting more for someone than they want for themselves. I have a huge heart for people and it becomes challenging when you see untapped potential. However, I have learned that growth is intentional and to only get involved when necessary and allow people to find their own path. This is still a lesson I am learning but I have great peace concerning the season and journey that I am on. And I celebrate where others are even if that's not where I am called to be.
These are just a few things I've learned in this past year. There are countless others but these have become so dear to my heart. Every new season brings obstacles and opportunities and I look forward to embracing the next year with a bride and a brand new journey ahead of me!  

Thanks for all of your prayers.

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D. A. Sherron is the founder and senior pastor of Global Fire Church, and the convener of the Global Alliance in Brooklyn, New York. His messages are broadcasted weekly through social media. An innovator, his ministry blends theology, history, and technology into a creative Kingdom enterprise. He is a theologian, entrepreneur, and humanitarian inspiring his generation too, “Expect Greater!” For more information, visit www.globalfirenow.com. 

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