Well family and friends, ya girl did it!!! Last Friday, I graduated high school!
The feeling hadn’t hit me until I went to my church’s college service tonight. As I prayed over my dear friends, the summer, and all the adventures ahead, I felt so grateful for the experiences and people in high school who have helped shape my life.
I wasn’t always the best student. There were many times when I was late, I skipped class, or I simply couldn’t have cared less. Math was incredibly hard and don’t even get me started on chemistry (lol if ya know ya know). There were countless all nighters, little sleep, and LOTS of tears.
When I think back on the recent last four years, I don’t regret any of this.
Most of time, I was pulling all nighters because I would have rather spent more time with my friends or going to youth group EVERY Wednesday and Sunday. I was late or skipped cuz I needed a mental break. I cried because, yes I was stressed and AP classes suck, but also because I always because I knew that I was made for something more. I knew that this life I was living was mediocre and I craved adventure.
High school taught me many things.
It taught me that God gives us trials, not because He knows we can handle it, but because He wants us to rely on his strength. He wants us to trust in His name. It’s so worth it if you do. I know for a fact that I couldn’t have gotten through my parents split, my childhood wounds, or the insane amount of pressure I put on myself to perform, with my own power. I got through (and am still working through) it by the power of the Lord.
It taught me that I could be friends with anyone of any age. I am proud to say that I have friends younger and older than me. The age gaps don’t matter. All that matters is that you have someone who always has your back no matter what. It’s important that you have someone who will always come along side you in whatever hardship or joyous season you are in. God places certain people in your life for a reason. Nothing is a coincidence.
It taught me what it means to be intentional. Going out of your way to love someone says a lot about a person. Intentionality is hard, it takes work and practice. I learned that to love like Jesus loves, you need to be intentional with those around you. That could mean praying over your best friend, sitting with the kid everyones embarrassed to be around, or going to watch your siblings sports games. Intentionality breeds intentionality. Jesus will reward you for being a faithful servant and living out the heart of God.
It taught me that It doesn’t matter where you come from, we are all loved an insane amount by God. He loves you because he created you. You are designed in his perfect image. There is a plan for you. You have something to contribute to society. There is a community for you. You belong in this world.
It taught me that I want to live my life for Jesus and nothing less.
So here’s to the high school years!
Thank you to those friends, family, and mentors who have walked through high school with me. Thank you for guiding me towards a relationship with the Father. Thank you for donating and praying as I move onto a new adventure. The next step is hard, but I am excited to come at it full force. I know that the knowledge I will gain on The World Race will be great and I couldn’t be more excited!!
-megs 🙂
