An Open Letter To My High School Freshman Self

I don't know about you, but I know so many people who are graduating from junior high, high school and college this month! It got me thinking about when I was a freshman in high school 5 years ago. It was a year filled with victories, struggles and clueless-ness. If I could meet my high school freshman self today, this is what I’d tell her:

Dear Emily,

Breathe. I say this first because I know you. I know how much you want to figure everything out and somehow solve the uncertainty you are facing. I would tell you that you won’t figure out your burning desire to know where exactly you’ll be and what exactly you’ll do after high school ends, but you probably won’t believe me when I say that you still won’t know when you’re in college. Trust God fully when He says He’ll lead you.

Don’t spend so much of your time replaying the moments of your day. You’ll soon see that the unkindness from others will fade faster than a single thought when you embrace the friendships of the people you are about to meet. When you think that you've messed everything up because of your quirkiness or wrong doings, remember to not be so hard on yourself—you are deeply loved by Jesus, The King of forgiveness.

I’d like to tell you not to think about boys so much, but you probably won’t listen. Don’t linger on the past when your 8^th grade crush tells you that your sisters are prettier than you. This is not true. Comparison is the thief of joy, and if you get married, one day your future husband will love the uniqueness of you- the amount of laughing, and all. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder- so be yourself.

Now pay attention because this is important: put a lot of effort into really loving those around you. Ask how their day is going, give them a compliment, and pay attention to their gestures. High school is hard on everyone.

Don’t forget to thank your high school history teacher—she is a gem that you won’t forget. Her love for The Lord and knowledge of history will encourage you more than you now realize. You won’t like the Dr. Grant lectures at first, but you will grow to love the wisdom, funny jokes and prayers within each lesson.

Thank mom for her silliness and affirming words that will last a lifetime. Not every kid gets to skip a school day to stay home so they could watch movies with their mom while eating popcorn and candy. Thank dad for working hard to take care of the family, and his faithfulness to The Lord. With every weekend that you play kickball, racquetball and paintball, put effort into connecting with dad and your siblings. You won't have this time later.

Take time to get to know your siblings- there is a unique story in every heart. Although it is so incredibly hard, love and serve them, as the rest of the world.

In ways you wouldn't think possible, life will be extremely devastating and very challenging. But it will also be filled with more joy, more peace, and more love than you’d ever imagine. Trust God. Hold tight, this adventure has only begun. You are so loved, Emily. And you've got this.

Love,

 Your sophomore-in-college self