My fellow Faithbook blogger Liz, a.k.a. Campus Catholic, emailed me the other day asking me to compile a list of other blogs I read by young LDS members. Frankly, I was stumped. Most of the blogs I come across are targeted for the entire LDS adult community, or are targeted to the high school audience or the “youth” audience as the church calls it.
In LDS culture, I tend to notice a lack of young adults. I define young adult as an individual who is over 18, perhaps in school, or working, making the transition into full adulthood, which is easily attained by marriage. The conception that LDS youth get married extremely fast and early is obviously a stereotype, but to an extent, a true one.
I consider myself a young adult. I’m in college, 20 years old, I live with roommates, and I can’t even keep a hamster alive for more than six months. This year was only the second time I filled out a tax return. I also make a killer PBJ sandwich.
The other day, I checked my mailbox at my “young adult” house. My old girlfriend from high school sent me her wedding invitation. Looking at the glossy picture, representing the ultimate dive into adulthood, it made my palms sweat. I can’t imagine getting married any time soon under any circumstance. It’s hard for me to witness a good friend take the dive into real world family life and responsibility. Ultimately, it’s none of my business, and I respect everyone’s free agency. This early marriage trend is deeply rooted in LDS doctrine. The LDS Church focuses on the family first. From the day I was born I’ve been taught the Lord’s Celestial plan for all his children. The most important step in this process is an eternal marriage convened in a holy temple.
Personally, I find it unfortunate that the church encourages young people to get their families started as soon as possible. I see many friends that enter into marriage too quickly and have children immediately, which causes them to sidestep their education, costing them knowledge and economic opportunities.
The Lord certainly hasn’t presented me with my celestial partner yet. I’ve dated a lot of girls and intend to date a lot more. I’m in a transition period, and I know from prayer and the Holy Ghost that I’m doing the right thing. I’ve still got a lot to learn about myself, my faith, and how to maneuver romantic relationships. I want to be as prepared as I can to make the commitment to an eternal marriage.
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