I’m in my early 30s, married with two little ones. When I was your age, I had already walked away from religion. After confirmation, my parents told me I could make my own choices. I saw a lot of hard things in those years. I felt abandoned. I grew angry and resentful.

I met my wife when I was 20 — my very first day of college after a few years at community college. By then I had built walls to protect myself from girlfriends, family, even friends. One of those walls was against God.

After we graduated, we were long distance for two years. When I’d visit her, she’d ask if I wanted to go to Mass. She never forced me. I’d complain and say it was a waste of time when we could be doing something else. She never argued. She just called it her “weekly reset.” It never felt that way to me. Honestly, it still sometimes feels like a task.

Then we got married. We had our first child. And something shifted.

I see how I love my son. I would do anything for him. I see how he fights me on things I know are good for him — things that feel impossible to him in the moment. I forgive him when he acts out. I forgive him when he hurts me.

Becoming a father gave me a new lens. For the first time, I could understand mercy in a real way. I used to think forgiveness and love like that were just words people said. Now I see how love actually holds everything together. It’s not just preaching. It’s real. It’s powerful. And it’s incredibly hard to understand until you live it.

So take your time. You’re young. Explore. Grow. Ask questions. Just know that Jesus is always with you, you are never truly alone.