This maturity is not achieved by a college degree, a large bank account, a baptismal service or any other worldly activity. This maturity is grown through years of ups and downs and many disappointments that have been overcome. This maturity ripens on the vine of our life as a fruit is produced through the winds and rains and the sun. We "ripen" through all the ups and downs we travel through. Give up - says Satan - you cannot win. I say - shut up Satan - I have already won - I am a child of God and He will lead me through anything you throw at me. This is the maturity that I experience each day that I am still here on this earth. Praise God.