As I sat and thought about what today represents, I’m reminded of all the people praying for me.

We all want to be fruitful in our service to others and ourselves.

It is a blessing to know so many people are part of my life and have been there for me through the various seasons.

I vividly remember my mother telling me how she prayed for me before her death and supported all my dreams that I was working on.  Today, my wife’s mother, who is in her early nineties, always tells me that I’m on her list of people she prays for every night.

Now it’s up to me to ensure my gratitude level stays where it needs to be and make the proper decisions every day of my life.

You may not have the same faith as mine, which is okay; I want you to know people are always praying for you.

For those that read the Bible on occasion, I’m sure you are aware of the parable of the Sower and Seed.

Ironically, today there is a seed that was planted twenty-one years ago.  That seed is the harvest of my youngest grandson’s Birthday.  Today, it’s a celebration of life as many have continued to pray for him during every step of his journey.

Occasionally, I receive outward praise for support; however, it’s never about me. It’s about reminding him to stay focused in life.

I want to think that on this day, he’ll remember that my investment over the last 21 years of his life was purposeful and for a reason; however, I’m not naïve knowing, I’m one of many different priorities he’s thinking about while celebrating his 21^st Birthday.

Many of us have prayed he will not let the worries of this world and the lure of riches choke out the seed of God’s word in his heart.

So that you are aware, the Parable of the Sower is found in Matthew 13:1–23, Mark 4:1–20, Luke 8:4–15.  Nonetheless, the outcome will not be known for many years until he returns and asks his twenty-year-old self the question.

You and I have probably been asked, if we could go back in time, what would we tell our twenty-year-old self?

Surprisingly there is wisdom in the response.

America treats someone who’s twenty-one as legal in various categories of responsibilities.

Although, turning twenty-one, depending on the person and their outlook on life, could be a big deal.

You and I know that being twenty-one, you can get into places where they must verify you are the legal age for admittance.

Knowing that my grandson recently returned from Italy last month from an internship program with his college, I’m sure he knows how age plays a vital role in traveling alone.

Maybe you remember flying alone when you were younger or going on special trips and how your parents signed those permission slips because you were not of age.

Nevertheless, I thought about this new generation, specifically his, which is Gen Z.

Everything you need to know about Generation Z | CIO

I know from experience that watching him grow up in an internet-connected society shaped his technical skills. When I needed my Echo Show connected, he was right on it.

Today, many of us can now think back to when we were twenty-one and how life was for us.  What we knew and what we didn’t know.

I recall being asked what I would tell my twenty-year-old self what I know now, which I had known then.

One response would have understood code better and speak multiple languages.

I’m sure my grandson and anyone turning twenty-one can understand code and program things quickly and easily.

For my grandson and anyone turning twenty-one, many mistakes will happen that each must learn from in life.

There are several significant reasons we all wait to turn twenty-one. However, some of us transition from youth to adulthood well before age twenty-one.

I joined the military at 17, and by the time I was twenty-one, I had already learned many life lessons. Some of us are not as fortunate.   The challenge for anyone is not to make the same mistakes twice.

Date of Birth to be 21 Today Calculator | Dash Calculator

Each of us is on a different path in life.  I’m reminded of the author, Simon Sinek, who wrote: “Start with Why.”   Simon Sinek tells us we need to know where we are going in life.

We also must trust our children that when they turn twenty-one, they will make proper decisions in life. There’s no more handholding; we must let the fail forward in making their own mistakes and learning from them.

We also must believe that just as we found our way, they too will discover why they’re on this journey called life.

When I think about how many people are incarcerated and locked up behind bars, it’s about making proper decisions in life.

In the late 1960s, the Army had already broken the code about incarnation with something called Correctional Training Facilities (CTF).

1960s and 70s, and the US Army Correctional Training Facility (CTF) – Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute (bootcampmilitaryfitnessinstitute.com)

I know this because my father helped start one at Fort Riley, KS, in 1968 at Camp Funston while stationed at Fort Riley, KS.

New report Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2022 provides the most comprehensive look at U.S. incarceration since the start of the pandemic | Prison Policy Initiative

Although turning twenty-one is significant, do you remember the commercials when you were still in your teens?

One of them was, “It’s 10 PM. Do you know where your children are?”

Knowing that we’re twenty-one is a subtle notice of 10 PM as the beginning of getting people more aware of time.  Maybe back then in the late 1960s, with riots and other urban unrest happening, it was a cry to ensure people came off the streets promptly.

Today, we hear about plenty of unwanted behaviors and poor decisions in life that happen after 10:PM or when the sun goes down.

The Origin of “It’s 10 PM. Do You Know Where Your Children Are?” | Mental Floss

Today, take a moment and ask yourself who’s been praying for you.

Have you produced a harvest that is 30-60-100 times?

Finally, are you on good ground as you walk the path of life.

“It’s 10 PM. Do you know where your children are?”