
Sometimes in life with our desires, ambitions & commitments to be successful, we often forget to value and appreciate the different developmental stages of our lives. Yes I'm totally supportive of the fact that young people need to know where they are going and also be on the right track to accomplish their goals; however, even at a young age, those are the years where they have the opportunities to enjoy things that they won't be able to enjoy later on in life.
I will not get into the different developmental stages of the human life, but I do want to stay this: Yes, focus on the goals you have in life and be diligent, but do not forget to enjoy, and appreciate the different developmental levels of your life. If you choose not to, then you may grow older saying: "I wish that I would of taken the opportunity to go out to the park and play with my friends." Get my drift?
I'll leave you with this last thought that Bro. Ernest Hodridge, one of the Elders of the Cedar Crest church of Christ shared with me:
"Let the child be a child before making him a man."
"You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your hearts give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment." Ecclesiastes 11:9 (Today's New International Version)

