Dear freshman Sophie,
I am writing to you four years from the future, and I have a few things I would like to share with you.
Soph, you’re clinging to the wrong stuff, really the wrong parts. You’re clinging to Philippians 4:13, but not the whole thing. Yes, you can in fact do all things through Christ, but the ALL things part is not the part to cling to. You’re taking on too much and using “I like a challenge” as a justification. And I am here to tell you to STOP IT. You’re in a sport you hate that is honest to goodness wrecking your body. You’re in every honors class and it doesn’t make you any better. You’re in all the activities “just to see what it is like” and you’re exhausted. You’re trying to maintain too many friendships that are not life giving. NO is an OKAY word to use. Use it even when it hurts, when you think you might be left out, and especially when you’re only using yes to not feel guilty.
Lean in close while I tell you this next bit. Your friends will change. Both who they are and what they are. Some will be a mutual growing apart and some will be an intentional decision you make and some will HURT. High school is four years jam packed with experiences that change you. But those years also change those around you, sometimes into unrecognizeable people. But that doesn’t mean you should stop. When something is hard that doesn’t always mean you should stop, sometimes it means the thing you’re doing is all the more worth doing.
You’re chasing security. You’re even fighting for it, but if you notice it is not bringing you any peace. Your Creator longs for your heart and for you trust. The things you’re chasing are good things, but you’re missing out on something more everlasting. My advice, stop the striving. Stop gripping at a secure life, and let go.
Sophie, I am proud of you. While you’re only 14 you’re making BIG decisions that are shaping your life, and you’re making good ones. I am proud of you for trying, for staying true to you, and for doing your best.
So, here’s to the joy, the change, and to the person you’ll become.
with love,
Soph
