Dear High School Me,

Hey man, how's it going? I know you are enjoying yourself, but you should probably step back and enjoy the things that count even more. Get yourself more involved (I know your self-perceived lack of social skills will get in the way of this) and try harder. You're smart; there's no denying that, but you should apply yourself more. Your adult life will get here when it does, but until then, be a teenager!!!! Don't try and grow up too fast! Don't worry; despite the heartache and awkwardness you will deal with, you turn out really well!

Your friends you have now.......cherish them. Enjoy all the time you can with them because you'll be lucky to talk to them more than maybe a handful of times after you graduate. Close friends will be hard to come by in your future, so be sure to have a great time when you can. You didn't get invited to the "popular" parties, but you will still have your share of good times and memories. Have fun, but BE RESPONSIBLE! You may have dabbled in things you should never have done, but you are wise enough to not let it get the better of you. Good for you, little buddy!

And most importantly, be on the lookout for the girl. What girl? The one you're going to spend the rest of your life with; she's not too far away from you. You'll know when you see her; you'll never be able to keep your eyes off of her. She will make you a better person despite yourself. DON'T SCREW IT UP! You're gonna try to at some points in the relationship, but like I said, you turn out really well in the end. You didn't think you'd ever get married, but guess what? You do! And it's the best decision you'll ever make! Despite a few rocky years at the beginning of it all, things turn into gold! You guys find a new found love for Christ and it makes your relationship flourish!!!

So keep your head up, my friend, because it gets a whole lot better than you can ever imagine! You get the girl; you get the job, and you get the Father you never had growing up. You become part of both an amazing church family and an amazing family of in-laws. A mother and father who are two of the best people you know. And a sister who will become one of the most brilliant and wonderful people you will ever meet. You meet some great pastors who will challenge you to be better than you thought you could be. Things are awesome and I can't wait to see how you react to it all.

Your friend,

Future You