Ever since I was in Jr. High, I always wish I could be older than I already am. I remember the first day of Jr. High (middle school, my district was different), I remember getting so excited for High School and to be done with Jr. High. Unfortunately I had 3 more years there but it went by a lot faster than I anticipated. Starting High school was the same way. I couldn't wait to graduate yet still had years to go before that day actually came. Now I am halfway into m first semester in college and I can't wait to be done with school and begin working in Children's Ministry for the rest of my life. But I am starting to learn to be content with where I am right now and let me tell you. That is so much harder than it sounds. But this is what I'm learning.

You miss so much when you're focused on the future.

I have found that when I am so focused on what next week, month, or even year is going to look like, I miss the fun times and joyful things around me right now. I specifically felt like this my Senior year. I was so focused on what next year looked like, I missed out on some of my "lasts" of Senior year. Looking back, that is the biggest regret I have in High School was not being active and engaged in the events my school put on. Even though I do want to be done with college right now and begin doing what I have been planning since my Sophomore year, I will enjoy my freshman year of college and all the spontaneous and adventurous events that occur.

After school, life will never be the same.

Right now, we are in a time of school, friends, and a job you don't plan on having the rest of your life. We are in a stage of life where we can have fun and figure out who we want to be! We have so much more freedom now than we will in ten years. We need to soak this time in. Sure it has its up and down moments and sometimes it feels like school will never end but someday, sooner rather than later, it will end and life will not be the same. So enjoy this crazy and confusing time! It will end sooner than we anticipate.

There are so many different areas you can talk about being content in a certain area of your life. We all have areas we can learn to appreciate more in our lives. I am challenging myself (and you, if you would like to join me) to recognize those moments when you wish life would go faster to this time in your life would end and just stop and be content and thankful with where you are now. It will make you a more joyful person in the long run.