Dear World,
As the comfort food and festivities of the holiday season come to a close, we are faced with a whole new year: 2017.
First of all, I would like to say congratulations for surviving 2016. 2016 was a tumultuous year especially for every one of us Americans out there. We have faced racial division as well as a major election that will determine the future fate of our country.
I know that most of us are going to be making New Years Resolutions. I know that I will be seeing more students working out at my school's gym as well as make attempts to eat healthier. However, I would like to pick a more unique resolution that I will be able to commit to throughout 2017.
I would like to stay strong. 2017 for me will be filled with trying to pass the hardest course of music history that I have ever attempted to take (Music History Semester I), auditioning for several top tier military bands, graduating, and hopefully getting through boot camp in one piece. I would like to stay strong even when my future is uncertain.
I would like to stay strong even as doubts flood my mind. I know that I will sometimes think that I am not good enough. I know that I might even want to give up. I know that I will face adversity, but that "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). I would like to stay strong and finish what I started.
I would like to stay strong even as temptations arise. I must be on my watch since there are those who will try to pressure me to do things that I will regret for years on end. I must not be tempted by temporary pleasures such as sex, drugs, and alcohol. I must stand my ground at all times and take the "road less traveled." I would like to stay strong as I find myself under pressure.