One would anticipate that physical maturity would be accompanied by emotional and mental maturity. But psychological maturity is a complex issue, and is not guaranteed along with physical growth. We would however, expect an increasing desire for emotional expression and some evidence of intellectual growth which is apt to show in our attitudes and opinions being gradually replaced by certain knowledge and independent, creative thought.  It should be apparent that if our growth of mind tends upward towards the noblest of our ideas and ideals,  new thoughts of our own will be generated.

We are all hopeful of the future and can anticipate the glow of happiness in having achieved our goals and ambitions, to feel that we have ‘arrived’at successful maturity. However, this journey is not so easy.  We are presented with many difficulties, responsibilites and inhibiting circumstances along the way – as well as positive factors that encourage the unfolding of our own true talents and potential. Aside from difficulties that no doubt are encountered in family and personal issues, we will all suffer to some extent from the mass unrefined thought power in society that can depress rather than elevate us.

But as human beings, we also have a soul, with deeper yearnings, desires and needs for its fulfillment beyond the generally accepted ones of the personality. This means that we have to extend our concept of maturity to include, beyond physical, emotional and intellectual growth, the idea of spiritual maturity.

At maturity we feel more certain about life and human existence and find that our values have crystallized. Our hearts as well as our thought have expanded as has our capacity for self sacrifice and generosity. But no matter what age we are, we all have further growth to make.