Grateful Graceful Heart

𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐲 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝: 𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

 Author: Ruth O. AWOYINKA

As I approach the close of this chapter, my early adulthood, I find myself filled with deep gratitude and awe for all that God has taught me, and all that life has shaped in me. I am far from perfect. I still stumble and fail in many ways, but I see now that even those failures have become places of growth, healing, and restoration.

1. One of the most profound lessons I've learned is that it’s okay to feel. In fact, it’s good to be emotional. There was a time in my life when, due to painful experiences and disappointments, I felt emotionally numb. I couldn’t cry, couldn’t grieve, I had lost touch with certain emotions that are essential for healing and wholeness. But in His kindness, God restored that part of me. I remember praying, “God, please restore my emotions,” and He did. Now, I cry when it’s needed. I grieve when it’s needed. And I no longer see that as weakness, it’s strength in its purest, most human form.

2. I've also learned the beauty of trusting people again. Being far from home could have been a lonely journey, but God, in His faithfulness, surrounded me with people, families, friends, and even strangers, who became like home to me. I see now that He handpicked these individuals to walk with me, groom me, challenge me, and care for me. Through them, I’ve learned what it means to be vulnerable and loved, even from afar.

3. I’ve also learned to trust God in the little things. Not just in the big, miraculous moments, but in the quiet, ordinary ones too. He has shown up in the smallest details of my life, things I thought were too insignificant to bring before Him, and He’s proven Himself faithful time and time again. Not because I deserve it, but because His love is that deep, that personal, and that intentional.

4. There were people I met for just a short while, but we connected instantly, and I know it’s because of the Spirit of God within us. There’s something so powerful and unifying about the bond we share in Christ. Those brief moments, those divine connections, have left lasting imprints on my heart.

5. I’m also learning to fully embrace my season of singleness. It has been such a gift, one I didn’t always recognize. I'm not rushing to leave this stage, and I don't feel pressured to. I believe in godly marriage, and I look forward to that someday, but I’ve come to understand that singleness is not a waiting room. It’s a stage full of purpose, growth, and intimacy with God. There are things He is doing in me now, foundational things, that are preparing me for the future. And I don’t want to miss any of it.

6. Another lesson that has been deeply transformative is learning to say “NO.” I used to think that declining something meant I was being irresponsible or selfish. But now I understand that knowing your limits and setting boundaries is actually wisdom. I’m no longer enslaved to the fear of disappointing others, God is teaching me to walk in freedom.

7. I’ve also started to intentionally rest, even in the middle of demanding schedules. I’ve learned to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the smallest details, sunrises, shared laughter, quiet moments, answered prayers. Rest is not laziness; it’s trust. It’s trusting God enough to pause, breathe, and just be.

8. I’ve seen how every relationship shapes us, even the hard ones. Some come to teach, others to refine. But I embrace them all now as part of the molding process. Every phase of life carries its own lessons, and I’m learning to receive each one with open hands and a grateful heart.

In all of this, God has provided, abundantly. He’s blessed me with resources, opportunities, support systems, strength, peace, and joy. I look back, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. I look ahead, and I’m filled with hope.

This is the testimony of a heart being refined. A soul learning to trust. A life held by grace.

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