Growing up

I only have three quarters left of my high school career. Can the last day of my senior year come soon enough? Not a chance. Do I really want leave this old place behind? It will be tough. 

There are days that I loath another day of being trapped in the walls of my sunless high school. Then there are some days that I think on all of the people I have gotten to know. Are there any chances that I will see them after I leave? The answer is no.

While most of my days are spent daydreaming about my open future and what adventures I will have there are some days that I fall into despair over what I will lose. I will lose the comfort of home. The companionship of my friends. The worry less life I lead. I will have to gain responsibilities of having to pay bills and manage money. 

The downsides of growing up do seem intimidating but they are also far outnumbered by the promises of what I can do with the life I will lead. I can hardly wait to make new friends and meet people who sweep me away with their love of life. I can't wait to learn everything I can. The promise of adventure excites me. And the number of trips I dream of taking is overwhelming and exciting. The places I want to live, the things I want to do, and the passionate life I want to live all run through my mind daily. I want to make a difference, I want to stick out, I want to blend in and observe, I want to live life to its full capacity. I will not live long enough to experience all of the living I dream of. 

My only fear in life is not being able to do all that I dream. The only comfort I have in knowing I will choose the right adventures is Christ. God knows exactly what I will do with my life and because of this I must remind myself to always go His way. I must strengthen my faith in The Lord so as to not get lost in the storms of life. And through the perils of life with Christ I will know I am on the right path and that I am living out what I was made for.

The years I have spent growing up are all I have ever known and when I leave them my world will change. But a change for the better is all that can be promised from God. So, am I excited for my future? Yes. Will I miss my past? Yes but that is life. Do I worry about my future? No. My life is The Lord's.

Homecoming Advice

Advice for “Homecoming Newbies” is being handed out and  it is all worth listening to. The dos and don'ts of homecoming are simple prices of advice for anyone with a question or two. So here is my advice to you:

The don’t list is a long one, this is a night you don’t want to look back on with regret. Don’t be stupid, don’t do drugs, don’t consume any alcohol, don’t participate in public displays of affection, nobody enjoys seeing that stuff. Don’t eat too much, you want to be able to dance. Don’t cause drama. Don’t wear those super cute heels you can’t walk in, no one wants to listen to your complaints, buy the flats instead. Don’t spend all of the money you, or your parents, have. Cut out all of the extras, for example the limos. Years down the road you are going to wish you had saved the money from that 15 minute limousine ride and the dress you are probably never going to wear again. Don't try to be the center of attention. Don't watch everyone dance, get on the floor and get crazy yourself. Girls, don't act like a princess. Guys, don’t be rude and don’t take the girl who is rude to you, everyone, guys and girls alike, deserve to be treated kindly. Don’t let your homecoming date bully you into spending the big bucks and  wearing a tux, kakias look just as nice and rumor has it they are much more enjoyable to wear.

The do’s are so much more fun. Do enjoy your night, do dance, do take too many pictures. Do paint your nails and do your own hair, it’s so much cheaper and when you get compliments, all of the credit goes to you. Do be thoughtful of everyone elses feelings, it’s their special night too. Do show loads of school spirit the week before homecoming. Do laugh. Do step out of your comfort zone, ask the cute girl or boy to dance. Do be modest, this is not a club it is a school event. Do have a plan, it’s no fun to be worrying about where you will go for dinner the day before homecoming. Do find something nice to complement everyone about, it’s no secret that everyone spends a lot of time trying to look nice so, make them feel like all of the preparations were worth it. Do make it a night to remember! Do go to homecoming you only get four.

Homecoming is not going to be the best day of your life, your wedding day will come and beat homecoming without a second thought. But it is still important to make this day something to remember. Be kind and gracious and always thoughtful of other people. When you make someone happy you make yourself happy, simple as that. Be safe, glorify God in everything, and make some memories!