Everyone Learns.
If you're breathing, something is pouring into you and teaching you about God, the world, and yourself. What are you learning?
As someone nearing the end of her teens, I would be foolish to assume that my wisdom surpasses anyone else's experience. I simply wish to encourage (and maybe amuse) you by sharing my two cents in the form of puns, quotes, and thoughts.
Enjoy!
Perhaps my two cents can inspire some change.
- 1. When life gives you lemons, who says you have to make lemonade?
Unless we're talking about Jesus being the only way to salvation, there is never only one way to solve a problem. With lemons, you can make lemon pie, zest the peel onto some chicken, or even liven up your sweet tea. When facing a problem, seek different answers until you find the best solution. This applies to disputes as well – understand every perspective as you discern truth and what's right.
- 2. If you don't have the gift of standup comedy, sit down.
I warned you about the puns *Ba dum tiss.* Aside from being thrown into the spotlight, make sure you know your strengths and weaknesses. Pride in what you can do is a sin, but pride in what you can't do is a sin that's embarrassing. You can't be good at everything, but you can respect everyone else's abilities.
- 3. Context is the key to understanding.
Whether you see something on the news, overhear shocking news from a friend, or catch rumor of something horrible, take a moment to check your sources. If you can, ask the person being rumored about or put on your Sherlock hats and do some research. Odds are, the rumor is wrong and someone's reputation is being marred. Also; no, you can't believe everything you hear on the internet.
- 4. It's not naïve to be optimistic.
It is unwise to think the best unrealistically in every situation. But in Christ, what do we have to fear? What could God not provide for us? What situation could He not impact for our good and His glory? Seeing life in a positive light changes your daily living and gives you reasons to be thankful. Try to find the work of God in everything. Make your resting face a smile. I'm not saying sadness is wrong; we need sadness to draw us to God and help us recognize our dependence on Him. Just don't stay sad forever when God gives us so much to rejoice in!
- 5. Social media isn't all bad or all good.
Social media connects us. It really does! I love seeing how people are growing up and finding love and trusting the Lord with the time they have on earth. But more often than not, social media brings me to a state of covetousness and sadness. What you're putting on your feed may not be encouraging anyone. And whatever glory you may gain from someone follwoing your account, I can guarantee the like you get is from a blank face and a half-hearted appreciation. That kind of value is worthless. I can assure you that regardless of your place in life, you are worth far more than the numbers on your social media feeds. Please question the way you use your social media; I still do to this day. It can lead people away from the Lord.
- 6. Communication is one of the greatest forms of love.
When God created Adam and Eve, they had perfect and unbroken communication. When Jesus died, the temple veil was torn and we can now pray to God directly. Technology allows people to communicate instantly, and yet we've lost honesty and directness. Truly talking to the people around you, learning about their struggles and who they really are – that means the world to someone.
- 7. Extroverts need "me" time, and introversion is not a mistake.
(@ my amazing introvert friends! ;) ) One young lady gave me this advice before I began college: givie myself time to breath. I love social events and I love being around people, but I often exhausted myself and separated myself from personal reflection and study. Extroverts, do not be afraid to stay home on a weekend! Refresh yourself before the Lord and learn something independently. Get to know yourself – you'll never regret that time. Those who are introverts find their energy from alone time, where they develop pieces of themselves and are devoted to growth. They love people too, just in different measures.
Those are all the words I have this time; I may do this again someday. I hope you learned something or had a good laugh! Have a good Fourth of July week!
May God speak through these words.
With love and prayers,
Sarah Matherly
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