My whole life has been a whirlwind of "what ifs" and "maybe if I would have known(s)," and although I think of these short sentences quite frequently, I have come to realize that everything truly does happen for a reason. The other day, a friend of mine showed me the following verse that made me realize a lot about my life over the past couple of years:

"Jesus replied, 'You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.'" -John 13:7

There are so many negative things that have happened throughout the course of my lifetime so far, and I am lucky enough to not have it as bad as it could be. Nonetheless, it is still so difficult to see negative things happen all around you without getting discouraged. There were so many times I gave up on myself and on others because of tragic events that may have happened in my life. Slowly, I began to realize that these things truly do happen for a reason.

It is hard being told, "Everything happens for a reason," when you are at your lowest point. Some days, I don't even believe this to be true. However, I know that my life happened exactly the way it did so I could get to the point where I am at right now, and I am so thankful for that.

All of the heartbreak, the stupid fights with friends and family, and the loss that I have experienced has all prepared me for something greater and bigger than myself.

There are times that others have been cruel to me, and I did not understand why it was happening. There were times where every day felt like a burden and each day was piling up on top of another, tearing me down along with it. As I get older, I slowly see each puzzle piece coming together, just like a complicated 1,000 piece puzzle that you might think you will never finish because of it's confusion and complexity.

But you do finish it, and when it is complete, you see the bigger and brighter picture of your life. I like to believe that happens, and soon everything will make sense.

In my future, I know there will be a lot more heartbreak, stupid fights, and unfortunately loss in my life. I just realize now that it is vital to remember that everything happens for a reason.

I don't understand what I am doing with my life, and why I am doing it. I am not sure of my purpose, or if I impact others. I do know, however, that everyone was made for a reason, and there has to be some plan for all of us.

Someday, I will understand. But for now, I will continue to piece the tiny puzzle pieces of my life together, no matter how many times I fail. I hope that I love the final picture.