My young man

My son turned 20 today
No longer a teenager
He is now considered a man
But how do we assess his life?
How do we decide the change?
There are no tangible differences
In reality he looks just the same
Exactly as he was yesterday
But still there is a change...
In ancient days there would have been
A ceremony...a transition into manhood
A subtle yet obvious spiritual growth
Why do we not follow these ancient ceremonies?
What do our young have to look forward to?
They are not viewed any differently
They are not treated in any way to show
That they are now adults: grown ups...
Oh yes there are times when a birthday
Is looked upon as a marker: a turning point
But in the western world there is nothing
Other than at 18 and 21...it is assumed
That you are now grown up: considered adult
Ready to stand up and be counted
Old enough to be responsible enough
Of an age where you are considered a man
But when did he actually leave childhood behind?
Was it when he became a teenager?
Did something change? Yes: physically maybe
But what of the inner being? The inner soul?
Was there a shift in his understanding?
Did he become more mature simply becsuse
Of another birthday added to his tally?
Does a certain age make you a man or woman?
We do not celebrate any rites of passage
Maybe overseas: in other cultures
In the Jewish culture at 13 boys are considered men
But not here: not in the western world...
When my daughter graduated from year 7
We had a little ceremony with the school group
A simple thing it was...but beautiful
From child to teen: from Primary school
To high school...a subtle yet major change
We released helium filled balloons
To which were tied notes, wishes, affirmations
Hopes and dreams were sent into the heavens
To farewell youth and welcome in
The beginning of a new life
A release of the past childhood
An acceptance of future change...

So...now he is a man...My young man
Ready to take on the world
Dear Lord I do pray so...