On May 20, 2016 and June 22, 2016, each a day after their departure from this Earth, I found out that two friends that were very near and dear to my heart passed away. Both were 19 years old and left this Earth far too soon. As my 20th birthday grows near, I can’t help but think of those sweet friends of mine and how much life they had left to live. They still had so many birthdays, so many holidays and so many memories to make with the people that loved them and were so blessed to have them in their lives. God decided to call them to their eternal home, though. He decided to bring them to a beautiful place in the sky that He has created for us, and now they’re both able to watch over us as two of His angels.
So many of us take life for granted. Each day, hour, minute, second and millisecond is precious. Every breath we take in and out is a gift and a beautiful blessing from the God that created everything. My friends weren’t able to see their 20th year of life on this Earth so this year is dedicated to them. I want to enjoy every second. I want to take every experience that this year brings in stride and cherish it – the time with family and friends, the lessons that I learn, all of the stressful moments that come with being a college student, and all of the incredible blessings that God has in store for me. That’s what I hope all of you will do, too.
Life can get you bogged down. I’m guilty of letting the stress get to me sometimes, but it’s not what’s important. My Mom always reminds me that stress is temporary. If you’re not going to remember what you’re stressing out about in a week, chill out. God won’t give you more than you can handle and remember that everything that comes your way is something God is using to strengthen you for the road ahead. Be responsible, but don’t stress yourself out. Treasure every single day that you’re blessed with and make the most out of life.
With each year that I’m blessed with on this Earth, I will thank God. The events that have occurred this past year were definitely eye-opening for me. You don’t think of someone your age losing their life. Before everything that happened this year, I thought that I was invincible. After suffering the loss of my two dear friends, though, I realized that life is so fragile and precious. We don’t know how much time we will be given here on this Earth and we’re not promised tomorrow, so every day is a gift. The fact that we’re alive is a miracle and an amazing work of God. Make the most of life and enjoy every second of it. Don’t let the negativity and the stresses of life get to you. Instead, think of everything that comes to you as a lesson that God is wanting you to learn.
This is what I want to live by this year. My friends didn’t get to celebrate their 20th year of life, so I’m going to celebrate this birthday for them and myself. Happy Birthday, Morgan and Cody! We love you and miss you so much! Twenty, be good to me.
