{808 words detailing the most important things I've learned in my last four
years of high school, as told by my senior pictures}
years of high school, as told by my senior pictures}
Don't live solely through your phone's camera lens, but do make memories worth taking pictures of, and worth remembering. Looking through an old high school yearbook could be fun, but reminiscing about your own, individual adventures is going to be even more enjoyable. Graduation will most likely be the last day you see a good percentage of your graduating class, and maybe even some of your friends. So capture what you can with what time you have left, because they may not always be there two or four years from now.
In high school, things may not always go as planned. Actually, they won't. You have to be flexible. That class that you signed up for but didn't get? The Chemistry labs that never quite worked like they're supposed to? The 3 huge term projects/papers that are due a few weeks before graduation? Just roll with it. "Go with the flow," as my friend says." And if you're really good, just laugh about it. Because the fact that it's due date is coming sooner means that you're just one step closer to being done.
Three. Sometimes you just have to get away from people and hug a dog.
High school friends are great, and they're there most of the time when you need them. But sometimes, after a really long day of school, it's better to just be around a dog. They don't lie, they don't talk back to you, and best of all, they're super fluffy. They're loyal, lovable, and lick a lot. So if you're having a bad day or need a super cool friend, get a dog. They're "man's best friend" after all.
Four. You have to learn to get along with people, no matter how they act, and no matter your temperament.
Someone once told me, "You meet the same people in every stage of life; they're just encased in different bodies." This is not wrong. This couldn't be more true. This is going to be really stereotypical, so don't hit me, please. But there will always be a partier, "cool" jocks, quiet, sweet, nerdy, intelligent, insensitive, or haughty guys. And there will always be super preppy, school-spirited, shy, extraverted, intuitive, chill, or unconcerned girls. We won't always get along with all of them, in fact, we won't get along with most of them. But we can't shut them out like they don't walk the same hallways or parking lots as us. So, we need to learn to be patient and understanding, and embrace each person that comes our way. Because there will always be someone smarter, prettier, and richer than you. But there will also be those who aren't as gifted, handsome, or affluent as you too. Just remember that we are all part of a complex dynamic, perfectly created by God to complement each other, not to crush.
Five. Staying in God's Word keeps you from wasting a lot of your time and life.The time to live for Christ is not after high school is over, not after college is finished, and not when you settle down with a family. The time is now. In doing this, you'll be ready for whatever high school may throw your way, whether it be in your home, church, or school. If you stay immersed in God's teachings, you will be more likely to stay in a state of grace, maturity, and humility.
Also important, when the daunting task of choosing what to do after high school comes around, you will be prepared. Once you arm yourself with the firm mindset of "Lord, take me and use me exactly how You want, and wherever You want," you will truly be able to see God work, and the pieces will fall into place.
You won't have to worry about which college to go to, anxiety about which job to take, or fear about what the next four years will look like. This is one of the most exciting decisions of your life, so don't waste it on trying to take and control the wheel. Let Him take it.
Six. Don't miss "it" while waiting for the "next thing."
Change. Some people like it, some people don't. Either way, most seem to always be waiting anxiously for the next, new things to happen. To be an upperclassmen, to be a Senior, to be in college, to get a job, to start a family. But if you are constantly looking forward at what is to come, you will miss what is happening in the now. So don't let life pass you by while you're looking for your next landmark. Be content in the stage of life you are in, who God has made you to be, and what He has given you.