I'm turning 21 this week and everyone keeps telling me how it is such a rite of passage. I am finally completely an adult and it won't ever stop being weird because I really feel like I turned 15 a couple of days ago. High school flew by and now college seems to be flying by even faster so I can't help but reflect on the days when being an adult and being where I am now was just a dream that seemed like it would never actually happen. Here are 10 things I would say if I could have a conversation with my 13 year old self.
1. Your faith is all you need.
I know you think that that boy, or that grade on your test, or how mom and dad said you can't have a sleepover on Friday are all dictating your life, but in the scheme of things all you need is Jesus. You can plan all you want but he knows whats best and he will make it happen. "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 ESV
2. Your parents are right.
I know how uncool they are but the truth is they usually know what they're saying. Maybe it sounds harsh or dumb to you now, but you might as well listen because someday soon everything is going to make sense.
3. Your dreams will come true.
Don't let what others say about how hard things are discourage you. If you work hard enough and pray hard enough and your dreams line up with God's plan for you, they will come true.
4. Don't let impatience get the best of you.
Be willing to wait for good things to happen because they will. Don't jump into relationships, wait for the right ones to come your way. Don't get frustrated when things don't go your way immediately, there usually is a reason why and it is a good one.
5. Heartbreak is not the end of the world.
Break-ups will happen, fights will happen, tears will fall. In the moment you're going to think your life is over but your life hasn't even begun yet. Pray, listen to a Taylor Swift song and let things go because better things will be ahead.
6. Do hard things.
I know, you don't want to do your math homework because math is hard for you. You don't want to talk in front of the class because it isn't comfortable for you. Do it anyway. Eventually, you will develop the skills and actually start to enjoy these things if you do them.
7. Appreciate what you have.
I know, that girl down the street wears brand new outfits to school every single day, and that group of people's parents lets them stay out late on Fridays. Honestly, who cares? Look at what God has given you and don't you dare forget how wonderful that is. Not everyone has what you do, so be grateful instead of falling into the comparison trap.
8. Don't be scared.
It's your dream to sing in church, but you're afraid of what people will say. It's your dream to go to Alabama, but you're afraid you won't make any friends. Stop being afraid. Trust in Jesus to give you everything you need and make the jump because it will pay off tenfold. It's hard to achieve your dreams without taking any risks.
9. You don't have to fit in.
There are going to be days when you feel like a complete outcast because you choose not to do things that so many others do. You will be home on a lot of different Friday nights wondering if you're doing something wrong, but you aren't. Be who you are, even if it doesn't fit in a group right now, because some day it will. You will find a group that loves and understands you and whether you see it or not you already have people who do.
10. Drink in every moment.
It goes by really fast, kid. My junior year in college is ending and I really feel like just yesterday I was 13 years old. You're going to have ugly moments, beautiful moments, scary ones and shining ones but I want you to drink it all in because it all works to your good. Appreciate where you are because people aren't kidding when they say that you blink and it is gone.
