1 year older, and possibly a little wiser?

4/19/07
(Last ever) Senior Writing

Senior year has been one never-ending period of clichés. "Time flies when you're having fun." "Be true to yourself." "Listen to your heart." "The sky's the limit." "You never really realize what you have till it's gone." "Live every day as if it were your last." The funny part is, for the first time in my life there is some actual truth that reverberates through these words. I can see why people say them so often. Whether you expect it to or not, senior year zooms by you, like lightning. One minute you're doing the first officer strut of the year at the start of a brand new football season, the next minute you're shimmying through your very last show. And no matter how badly you want to get out of high school, no one can deny there's not a teensy part of them that will find something worth missing. For me, it won't be the performing. I still have years of that ahead of me. It won't be the friends, because I know that for every person that has had any sort of positive impact on my life, this is not the end. I am certain that we will be together again at some point in our lives. It will be the little things that seem so miniscule now I can't even think of an example, but I know that once they are gone they will be noticed and missed.
Along with all the privileges of senior year, there are a lot of important decisions to be made. Always remember that you're allowed to change your mind. Your life isn't set in stone. If a chance comes your way, take it. Don't try to please everybody. Take it from someone who's tried—it's impossible. You will never be able to please every single person, every single time. You just have to discover what is best for you and then put everything you have into it to make it happen. Don't hold back. Don't be greedy with your talent, your kindness, or your character. Lavish it upon others. Live passionately. And when life seems like it's reached its absolute low, take it as your cue to prove yourself to the world. If there isn't a silver lining, grab your glitter glue and make your own. Life isn't some story for you to follow, it's your own to write. Write yourself as the hero, the shining star, and most importantly, believe it.

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I was reminiscing over my last senior writing today, but after the past year I have changed my opinion on a few things. I’ve grown a lot and come to many more understandings. Sure, the clichés are generally still true, but I don’t agree with listening to your heart. I know what you’re probably thinking. In today’s “take chances,” “no regrets” society, we believe that what our heart thinks is right. But if your heart isn’t in the right place and doesn’t know Jesus, then it isn’t right at all! “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Rather than trusting in our own hearts and irrational, greedy human emotions, we should put all our faith in Jesus Christ. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) What more could we possibly ask for? Our lives are set! Why should we worry about taking chances when all we have to do is trust in our Lord and have our path shown to us? From personal experience, I know how difficult it can be to focus on the Lord and follow him, especially at college. With everyone learning how to live on their own and being excited to be out from under the parents’ watchful eye, it’s hard to see past anything but what we want to do and when we want to do it. But God has so much more planned for us! College is a very trying time. It’s hard to stick to your convictions and your morals when the world puts so much pressure on you to let them go and just “live for the moment.” But that isn’t really living at all. Just because we are in the world doesn’t mean we should be of it. We should be striving to live for something much bigger than ourselves. “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3) Amen.

I made more than my fair share of mistakes and regrets and still have so much to learn. But I’m willing to learn! That’s why I find so much joy in the people I spend my time with in Brenham and in my job. It’s amazing being surrounded by people who support me and who genuinely care about me and help to guide me in my faith. We all need people like that in our lives! I know it’s hard to stay strong in your faith! That’s why I’m posting this: as an encouragement and to let others who feel like I do know you're not alone! I know I felt that way for a long time. No matter how disconnected you may feel, there is hope. I promise. Check your hearts, and find yourself true friends, someone who makes you better and will hold you accountable for your decisions. Not in a condescending or motherly way, but in a way that is truly concerned about your spiritual growth, along with your well being. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ and we’re all in this together.

Love all. ♥
Worship one. †