Maturation ~ the process of maturing.

Mature ~ having reached full natural growth or development

having reached a desired or full condition; ripe

worked out fully by the mind; considered

having reached the limit of its time; due

no longer subject to great expansion or development

this process is both beautiful and painful. two such opposing ideas struggling within the same womb - life. it's that moment of looking up after a beating but knowing you were bludgeoned because you did not move from your position. it's having a noticable scar that everyone demands the story for because they want to pretend it was they who acted nobly to receive such a wound. it's picking a flower from the bush growing in your back yard after you spent hours putting dirt beneath your fingernails. it's taking a step when everything in you screams to sit down; holding your breath when you're about to pass out for want of oxygen; learning the art of love and simplicity.

"all you need is love". amen to that. God's love. it is enough. 1 Tim. 6:6-8

But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

"with these we shall be content"... i never knew contentment before until now... i am learning the art of contentment. longing for my mind never to stray "from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." that's what it is. simplicity. that's what i want. the simplicity of devotion {ardent, often selfless affection and dedication} to my Savior.