28 things I’ve learned in my 20’s
Posted on 18. Nov, 2009 by Brett in Etc
28 years ago today I came into this world. In honor of my mother’s agony and my waning 20’s, here are 28 things I’ve learned in my 20’s:
1. People, for the most part, have lots of baggage. And what’s funny is that most people walk around thinking their situation is unique or unusual. But we’re all in the same boat.
2. Enthusiasm wins. In all situations.
3. The American church teaches empty moralism for the most part. And that is not the Gospel.
4. Your job consumes most of your life. Choose wisely.
5. Mexicans make the best food. End of story.
6. Getting married won’t make you happy and it won’t fix your problems.
7. Staying single doesn’t fix anything either.
8. Speaking of marriage…it seems to me (from the outside looking in) that without lots of forgiveness and the putting of the other person first, your marriage is doomed.
9. Most Americans either are clueless or careless to the atrocities and misery that happen in the rest of the world. This is a tragedy.
10. Capitalism works. It’s not perfect, but it works.
11. Turtlenecks were a horrible creation and I’m ashamed I ever wore one.
12. Theology is important. Very important. Theological arguments over non-essential issues are stupid.
13. Most Christians don’t really understand grace or its implications (see also #3).
14. I think playing high school sports is the peak of pure fun.
15. People who love people are the most powerful people in the world.
16. The number 1 thing holding most people back is their dislike for reading.
17. You only have a hand-full of truly good friends in this life.
18. In general, people live unintentional lives–coasting and reacting to whatever happens around them. This is a recipe for mediocrity.
19. There are things I’m just not good at and the sooner I can accept that fact, the better.
20. Humility is a lifelong battle.
21. 90% of people are absolutely dominated by their insecurities.
22. Saved by the Bell? Still a great show.
23. Cultivate perseverance. You’ll need it someday.
24. Learning isn’t confined to your schooling. It is a daily pursuit.
25. God made people VERY different. If we stop trying to make people think and act like we do, 50% of our relational frustrations will disappear.
26. College was awesome. Why didn’t I stay longer???
27. I don’t have it all figured out–about 20% at best.
28. I’m the most blessed person in the world.
What about you? What are the top 3 (or 28) things you’ve learned in your 20’s?
16 Responses to “28 things I’ve learned in my 20’s”
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About Me
Bevin
18. Nov, 2009
Love this post Brett!!
Amen to #8…and Saved by the Bell?? Definitely still a great show! Haha! I am really enjoying reading your blog! Thanks!
Steve
18. Nov, 2009
Happy Birthday man!
Keep rockin.
-Steve
Mom
18. Nov, 2009
I will second Bevin with a hearty ‘amen’ to #8…..but they are all good!
Mom
18. Nov, 2009
PS: Thanks for tipping your hat to my agony. Have a blessed birthday!
Becky
18. Nov, 2009
Brett, you’re a lot smarter in your twenties than I was in mine.
Charity
18. Nov, 2009
I will second the amen to #8. Really great post…as always! Enjoy your last two years in your “20s”….just blink and they will be over….
rachel
18. Nov, 2009
my favorite is #11!!
The Hickman's
18. Nov, 2009
Three things I have learned in my 20’s –
If you can’t roll with the punches in life, you’ll never make it.
Sometimes the big steps are the best ones.
I don’t care who you are or how old you are – farts are funny.
Paul
18. Nov, 2009
Brett in an attempt to be an over achiever here are my top ten:
10. Always assume you are the most intelligent person driving today and all the others can’t help it as they are ignorant! My answer to road rage
9. A woman that will take your dog will cut ya! (Thanks granddad, though I think he stole that line)
8. Never trust a fart … especially when meeting with your boss’ boss about your pending promotion.
7. Sometimes gas IS a great icebreaker. Yes, I did get the promotion and a lovely new nickname.
6. If you preach it you better live it
5. Glean everything you can from your grandparents their knowledge and advice is a form of nostalgia that can’t be found anywhere else.
4. If you and your significant other truly put God first in your marriage, id bet my life in societies eyes you’d be “that couple”. You know, I wish we were as happy as “that couple”, “That couple” is so lovey dovey whew gross!!, and what does “that couple” have that we don’t!?
3. No matter how alone you may feel always look for Gods hand in a situation and BAM you’ve got a PIC partner in crime
2. Kindness infuriates mean people and they have no idea why.
1. I’m blessed beyond reason
Stephanie
18. Nov, 2009
Lots of wisdom here, Brett! Totally agree with #8, as well, but my favorite has to be #5. I could probably eat it everyday of the week. As a matter of fact, I’m about to have it for supper tonight! Hope you have a wonderful birthday! Wish I was still 28!
Zak
20. Nov, 2009
working on series of posts now to comment on each of these…should be fun.
:)
Terrace Crawford
23. Nov, 2009
Good stuff. I’ll have to do some thinking before writing out my own list. Thought I’d say hello. Found you through my good buddy, Zak White.
–Terrace Crawford
http://www.terracecrawford.com
http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford
Matt @ The Church of No People
25. Nov, 2009
Great list! Wonder what the 30s will hold!
bryan
25. Nov, 2009
great list Brett.
I’m in my thirties now, and the most important thing I’ve learned is that half of everything I learned in my twenties was wrong.
(i kid, i kid)
Brett
25. Nov, 2009
Haha…I often wonder that Bryan. How much of my “wisdom” in my 20’s will I look back and laugh at one day?
Brett
25. Nov, 2009
And yes April, farts are endlessly funny. It’s the joke that’s been around since the dawn of time. And will endure to when we’re all on those “flying cars” we’ve been dreaming about.