Sunday our church celebrated the seniors. I remember this season like it was yesterday. In May of 2000, I began counting down the days to our May 19th graduation ceremony. I figured out what grades I needed to be exempt from my core class exams and worked hard to maintain those grades. I addressed invitations to family and friends and soaked up all my lasts as I anticipated a whole bunch of firsts. Graduation was the steppingstone to the rest of my life.
When I think about the excitement that each of these graduates is experiencing, I can’t help but think about all the things I wish I could go back and tell my seventeen-year-old self. I made a list. Maybe you relate.
- Being an adult does not mean freedom or spending my money how I want to.
- Being able to purchase cigarettes and alcohol is not a marker of being “grown up”.
- Eating right is not a punishment. It’s a precious gift we give our bodies so that they function and age well.
- Consistent exercise is important to aging gracefully.
- Pain is there to tell us when to stop. Pushing through the pain creates weak bodies and many issues later in life.
- Boys are immature, and dating so you aren’t alone is stupid. Date for marriage.
- Curiosities turn into actions. Actions become habits. Habits grow into addictions. Addictions keep us from growing in Christ. Deal with struggles early so you don’t have to as an adult.
- When God leads, don’t fight. Surrender is better up front than wrestling with God.
- Don’t give up on your dreams. They are placed there for a purpose and God wants to use them if we let him.
- Being a parent is amazing. Prepare yourself to be the best mom ever by getting your junk together earlier in life.
How about you? What would you tell yourself if you could go back to high school graduation season? Send me your comments and thoughts. Would love to hear from you.