Stages

Due to the recent changes in my life and some of the conversations I've had with people lately, I've made some observations about the stages we experience in life:
1) Each stage of life has it's own significance. We tend to make some more important than others(sweet 16, college, marriage...), but I'm not sure that we should view them that way. I don't want to go back to my high school years...but I know that it was a part of my life that shaped how I am today.
2) We tend to look forward to the next stage or wish we could re-live a past one rather than live fully in the one we're in. "I can't wait until I'm older" a 7 year old says. "Wish I had my licence" a 15 year old might say", "We are getting married next year, can't wait!!". The 60 year old says "not as young as I used to be, it's a shame". I understand that there are some things to look forward to. I think though that sometimes some people have all of their focus on the future or past rather than enjoying the phase they are in.
3) Last and most annoying(to me anyways): "Just wait til you get to the real world"-we say to a college kid, "Wait til your married, then you'll know what I mean"-to a young couple, "Just wait to you have kids"-to a newly married couple, "O you just wait til they turn 13"-to a family with todlers, "See if you feel the same way when your my age"-an older person says...and so on and so on. It's not condesending I've decided but it is a somewhat negative comment. Basically we're saying "you think you have it bad now...you just wait. It gets worse!!!" I'm sure I will do it myself from time to time but I hope to include the good things as well. "Enjoy high school while your there, college is a blast but make sure to enjoy the time you have left at home."
Bottom line: Enjoy the stage you're in to the best of your ability, know that God has a plan for you during that stage, and don't look down on but encourage the younger and less experienced people.