Dear Future Self,

Hey. It's me. I've thought a lot about you recently. Right now, in my last semester in high school, with college quickly approaching, I try to imagine you. Who you actually are compared to who I imagine you to be. I'm afraid that, possibly, what I think about you might now be who are actually are. But I want you to know, know matter what, I am proud of you. I know that life gets crazy, but I know you. You are hardworking, and strong, yet gentle and incredibly loving and caring, of which can all get you far in life. You see when you need to work hard, and you do just that. In this way, Never forget who you are, especially in Christ. Be true to yourself, don't allow society to push you around or try to change you simply because you don't look like, "her." Remember how loved you are by the King of the World! You were chosen, picked out, with a purpose, you were made the way you are, for a purpose. There are so many people who love you, care about you, cherish you. Find those people in your life that you can be open with, and talk to them about everything. Remember that, just because not everybody agrees with you or likes you, doesn't mean your wrong. Saying that, unlike the rest of the world, you easily notice the outcasts. The ones that maybe life hasn't treated them so well. The ones that are hurting, and just need someone to listen. With this in mind, Be the ear somebody needs. In this world, people can be simply forgotten, and sometimes people just need a person who will sit and listen. In the end, it can mean seeing a different side to someone, which is usually the best part. With that, you may not be school smart but that doesn't mean you're not intelligent. You've never been that person that school comes easy to. But that has never stopped you from working hard, and putting the extra time in. And you know what, that's what makes you more intelligent. The fact that you realize you're not good at school, and yet you continue to persevere. But, unfortunately, you have always have been that person that is constantly worrying about and being conscious about her grades. I know in high school it seems like school and grades is the sole thing that matters, but truthfully, in the grand scheme of things it's not. Don't fall into the hole of finding your identity in your grades, your identity should only be found in Jesus Christ. Additionally, never let your grades pull you down. I know you do now, and I know you will again, and again and again. But don't let those letters keep you down. You are worth so much incredibly more than what those letters say that you are. You are strong, you are beautiful, and you are loved endlessly. With all that being said, in college and into the future. Never take life too seriously. This earth is not your ending place, and the things you're worrying about now will not end you forever, I promise. The things of this earth are only temporary, but your God is eternal, So always make time for your God. In the end he will get you through all things, just follow your heart.

Abigail