From Me to Me

In an effort to write more, I discovered a website that provides daily blog prompts.  I figured I'd give it a try...

Today's prompt:  Write a letter to your 14-year-old self.

Dear Kelsey,

Welcome to high school!  I know the last year was hard, but you made it - congrats!  Moving to a different state, starting 8th grade in a new school, leaving a place & friends you loved - it was hard, but you did it.  It may not have felt like the right thing at the time, but God had a plan.  Later you'll see that His timing was right.  And your time in Virginia will always hold a sweet place in your memory.

This past year, you've made some great friends, and they will stick with you though the challenges of high school. Don't take them for granted. Enjoy this time, but don't believe the people who say, "these are the best years of your life."  Don't worry - it gets so much better than this!  Try to just be yourself, enjoy who you're with, don't try to measure up to the 'popular girls' or try to be someone you're not.  Years from now, no one will care what group you hung out with or if you had the tannest skin or the blondest hair.  Don't worry so much about your weight - you're skinnier than you think, even if you can't see it in the mirror.  Quit counting calories and just eat real food...I promise, you like more fruits & veggies than you think. ;)

The coming years will be difficult at times, but your friends and family will guide you through.  Don't be afraid to take risks.  And when your friend asks you to go to Young Life with her (even if it's just to follow a certain boy)...go!  And when you're invited to go to camp, even when you're scared to death of going alone, go for it!  It will be the beginning of an amazing journey.  I don't want to spoil the ending, but just know you won't regret it for a moment.  That one decision will make a huge impact on many years ahead.

Another thing about taking risks...don't be afraid of going away to college.  I know homeschooling may sound nice & safe now (I know you're not really serious about that...), but your time away at college will be some of the best of your life (as far as I can tell right now, anyway)!  Get excited.  Go boldly!  God will guide you and cross your path with some of the most amazing people and the most incredible experiences.  Enjoy the ride.  It will pass faster than you think.

Remember, life is full of surprises.  Things won't always go as you plan, but God's plan is bigger and better.  Trust in him.  Worry less.  Invest in people.  Don't spend all your time on homework!  Have fun.  Be you.  You have lots to look forward to!

Love,

Me

P.S.  The pigs in biology class aren't as scary as they seem.

P.P.S. Be extra careful with that baby doll you have to take home for class. :)