If you would’ve told 17 year old me that I would be spending a year away from home after college to serve Jesus and love people I would’ve laughed in your face. Honestly if you would’ve told me I would’ve went to college 2 hours away from home I would’ve laughed. Or if you told me I’d fall in love with Jesus my freshman year of college I would’ve laughed too. At 17 I never would have imagined leaving my family for a long period of time. I got home sick if I was gone for a week. I also never would’ve imagined loving a God that I thought had abandoned me. And I for sure never would’ve imagined GOING ON THE WORLD RACE….
So here’s to my 17 year old self…
I would tell you lots of things that you just didn’t seem to know. I would tell you that there is no ideal life. I would tell you to stop planning your life out because anything can happen but also to dream big because ANYTHING is possible. I would tell you to be open to any opportunity. I would tell you to love your friends better and forgive them when you’re hurt by them because it’s not worth losing them and you need them. I would also tell you to love the person that’s hard to love. I would tell you to respect your parents and brother more because you aren’t the only one in pain. I would tell you that dealing with your feelings is a lot better than hiding them and only letting them out in anger. I would tell you that God doesn’t abandon you even when you feel like He does. I would tell you He is right in the midst of your pain and your life. I would tell you that knowing God saves you and accepts you despite your imperfections and mistakes is the best possible thing you can accept into your heart because with Jesus in your heart He brings healing, comfort, and joy. I would tell you that crying and being vulnerable isn’t a weakness but a strength. I would tell you to be you and accept who you are as a person because it will always be hard for you to love others when you are constantly beating up on yourself. Most of all I’d tell you love is most important. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Love God, Love people. No matter who they are or where they come from. Everyone is different and it doesn’t matter. Stop caring so much about who you’re friends with and who other people are and love everyone you come in contact with because that’s what will make this world better. Everyone needs to know they are loved. I’d also tell you to be thankful for the way that you are loved by your family and friends because it could’ve been different. You are who you are because of them. And last but not least l I’d tell you to TRUST JESUS (which I am still telling my 23 year old self). You never know where the Lord will take you but He is with you through the good, bad, and unknown. Trust Him, He will guide you and you will be alright.
