"People often describe your twenties as one's 'defining decade.' While I'm thankful for the life I've built so far with my loving husband and thriving career, as I near 25, I have found myself thinking that this season of my life looks nothing as I imagined it would. Finding community is harder than I thought it would be. Starting a family is more difficult than expected. Life and bills and jobs are more demanding than ever. Goals are harder to reach. And God often feels far away. While 2020 was a weird, hard year for many, it helped me realize that I've been looking for satisfaction in all the wrong places. I'm constantly thinking that if I could just find a good group of friends or have a baby or get a promotion—then I'll be happy. And I'll feel like I didn't waste my twenties away. But God has shown me that He is my portion. When I feel lonely, He is a Father and Friend. When I'm sick, He's my Healer. When my spirit is crushed, He is my comfort. When I feel worthless, He tells me I'm loved. When I am lacking, He provides. And if I devote my twenties to knowing, loving, and serving Him, they will not be wasted. The relationships I have or the career I build will not define this decade in my life—only what I do with Jesus will." - Alex S.