My freshman, you did it. You survived your first semester as a college student! There were a few things that I kept whispering to you throughout this process, but I wrote them down in case you forgot, or if you chose to not listen to them. Here you go, child. Read these words, and cling tightly to them, because I will continue to whisper them to you far beyond this first semester.
1. You are more than the choices you made the first week, or month, or even this whole semester that you were here. You are more than the parties you went to, and the consequences that came out of that.
2. I still want to know you. Those choices? Who cares? It's OK! I always knew you would come back. Now, stay. Don't go far, please. I missed you while you went astray.
3. You are strong. You know that home that you so desperately miss? And that family who you long to live with again? Well, you now have a whole month to spend drinking hot cocoa with them because you pushed through.
4. I think you look great in those sweat pants.
5. You are more than test grades. Your professors may only be seeing the grades that they mark on your page, but I see your heart. I have seen you help hold that person's hair while they vomit, I have seen you hold your friend while they cry, and I have seen the moments of beauty and grace in your life that they cannot see.
6. You can dream, but my plans are better. I know you want to know what you will be doing for the rest of your life, but I'm just waiting for the big reveal to show you. I can't wait until you find out what my plans are. Your mind is going to be blown.
7. Don't waste away the moment by dreaming of the future. You are done with your first semester, and you wished every minute of it away! Sit tight, and please enjoy it. I am teaching you more than you could imagine in this stage of your life.
8. You are smart. You got into this school in the first place. You are not here by accident. You worked hard to get here, and you have the capability to do this. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
9. He/she isn't the one. There will be more. Don't lose any breath or sleep over it.
10. Also, just stop looking for "the one." You are a freshman. You have so much time.
11. So, in the meantime, keep hanging out with those awesome friends. I'm being selfish for this one. Yes, Im talking about those friends who think I'm the coolest, and who constantly point you to Me. I love them, and they love you so well.
12. Come to me first. In those moments of anxiety and fear, take it to Me. I will listen, and I love listening to you. I get kind of hurt when you choose someone or something else over me on those days.
13. Please continue to hang out with me. Our mornings and nights are so special together, and I love them. I love starting and ending my day by hanging out with you, and I hope you continue to do the same.
14. I am so proud of you. Those nights you cried because chemistry was impossible, the all-nighters in the library, the day you fell flat on your face in front of upperclassmen (sorry, that was kind of funny), they have passed. You did it. You pushed through, and you came out even stronger. You are such a rockstar.
15. I love you.
-- Your buddy, Jesus
