As young people go through the transition from childhood to adulthood, they develop the ability to understand the laws and traditions of their religion and society. They are then granted the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of church and state. Another coming of age can occur when adults increase their ability to evaluate the established laws and traditions. They may decide to agree or disagree with, change, or eliminate some of the rules and customs from their own lives as long as the rights of others are not infringed upon.
Just as adolescents have to struggle sometimes to finally come of age, adults also may struggle to form their own way. Difficulties may arise with family and friends when a person begins to break away from what they have done in the past. Some loved ones will not understand what is going on and become uncomfortable with the changes.
Our ancestors were people just like us who tried to improve civilization by setting certain standards of behavior that would benefit everyone. They also made mistakes just as we do. Every generation keeps some of the laws and traditions while altering or eliminating others. Every individual has the freedom, responsibility, and privilege of deciding what is best for themselves.
Transitions from childhood to adulthood, from parenthood to the empty nest, from careers to retirement, all require us to evolve to the next stage of life. We experience a coming of age all throughout our lives.
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