A Letter To My High School Self

Dear High School Self,

You would probably read this and shake your head because you've never really liked taking advice from others (that won't change in the coming years). The next few years of your life will hold some of the best and worst memories. You think you know it all and you have it all figured out, but you don't. Take time to seek God and what he has planned because I promise you your plans are going to crash and burn, you're going to cry and hurt and not know what steps to take after High School, but I am here to tell you that it's going to be okay (a mantra you will repeat to yourself over and over again). You have a God who is fighting for you and walking beside you through every hill and valley.

Stop worrying about how you look in your clothes and what others think of your hair and makeup. Quit trying to do what everyone else is doing and stand out, be different. Eat. When you're hungry eat. You're not going to gain 5 pounds because you are eating greasy McDonalds food with your friends on a Friday night. Impressing others is a chain that you don't want to get started. It's hard to break and will follow you long after High School. Changing your clothes 15 times and deciding on an oversized sweater so that no one sees you isn't going to make you feel better. You are beautiful because you have a God who created you from his image. You are worthy because that is a name that your Heavenly Father gave you. Find your identity in him, not in your looks.

Girl, you are going to be SO CONFUSED at what you are doing with your life. Oh yeah, you will change your major 3 times before your Junior Year in College. You will cry and scream and be so angry when others figure out their life and you are still waiting for your unanswered prayers to be fulfilled. Don't be mad at yourself for not settling, but don't be mad at God for making you wait for HIS plans to be carried out. Hold your head up and NEVER tell yourself that you don't have a purpose. Great things take time. Learn and grow in your waiting. Be thankful for the people you meet along the journey.

Worrying about that boy isn't getting you anywhere. He isn't the man that God has set apart for you. He may be great, but he isn't great for you. Impressing boys is not the most important thing to do right now, although it may seem like it. You know why these other guys don't matter? God has had someone special set apart for you the whole time. This person will change your life for the better. He will be exactly what a Husband should be. You will get married young (I know, you said you'd never do that. Like I said, drop the plans you have for yourself) and people will question it. It doesn't matter because this person loves you the way Christ has called him to. The decision to marry this man is the best one you've made yet.

Life is hard, but it's also beautiful. God has some truly awesome things planned for you. Be good to your parents, teachers, and the friends that tell you like it is. You will need them. Also, I am proud of you. You are doing great. Stop sweating the small things and believe in yourself. You are loved, chosen, and worthy.

Keep pushing and fighting for your dreams and passions. Seek God and trust his timing.

XOXO,

Krissi