Advice to the Younger Me
If I could advise the younger me, what would I say?
First, just because you had the privilege of growing up in the home you did, and are looking forward to going to a Christian college, do not take your eye off the ball spiritually.
When the writer of Ecclesiastes wrote, "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw nigh when you say, 'I have no delight in them,'" he wasn't just filling out a journal with insignificant thoughts; these are the very words of God.
Second, just because you were able to do well academically and have a multiple of outside activities until now, be realistic when you start college. This is a whole new realm. It is as if you are back in ninth grade, finding your place, sorting out what interests are worth pursuing.
Because academics have to be a priority, do not take on either too heavy a course load even if you think you can manage that, or too many extracurricular activities. These years are going to call for a major investment in many ways, so make those investments prudently..
Third, speaking of money, be wise. Think about what Joseph ordered the Egyptians to do. When you have more, save it toward when you have less. Don't buy just because it makes you feel good or because you think the item won't be there tomorrow; if the Lord knows you need it, you will have it.
You were taught the Scriptures, so remember these passages from the Sermon on the Mount:
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do now sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father fees them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry, then, saying 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthews 6:25-34; NAS).
Fourth, spend more time with your family. You may want to make friends, and that is a good thing usually, but no one can take the place of family, at least not for you. Take advantage of opportunities to be with your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, in addition to your parents and sister.
Fifth, seek balance in your work life and non-work life. You know what your physical limitations are; take those into account. Burning the candle at both ends is not useful. You don't have to take on every opportunity which comes your way, even for the good things.
Sixth, in keeping with number 5, take care of your physical needs. Pay attention to getting enough rest; for example, going to the doctor and the dentist even when those seem pointless. Remember Him who created and redeemed you.
Seventh, by all means and at all points, when you get in over your heard in any way, don't be too proud to ask for help. This may be one of your greatest areas of weakness. So far the Lord has kept you by His grace through the circumstances He has ordained. Do not take this for granted. Expect His fatherly discipline too.
Nourish yourself spiritually. Walk prudently in your years in college and after. Seek to serve as He gives you opportunity, but pray before making commitments, and get advice as to whether each is right. Learn from the mistakes you make, especially learn discernment.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (NAS).
Philippians 2:1-4: "Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Holy Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mi9nd, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" (NAS).
James 1:2-4: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (NAS).
1 Peter 5:10: "After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you" (NAS).
2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen" (NAS).
First, just because you had the privilege of growing up in the home you did, and are looking forward to going to a Christian college, do not take your eye off the ball spiritually.
When the writer of Ecclesiastes wrote, "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw nigh when you say, 'I have no delight in them,'" he wasn't just filling out a journal with insignificant thoughts; these are the very words of God.
Second, just because you were able to do well academically and have a multiple of outside activities until now, be realistic when you start college. This is a whole new realm. It is as if you are back in ninth grade, finding your place, sorting out what interests are worth pursuing.
Because academics have to be a priority, do not take on either too heavy a course load even if you think you can manage that, or too many extracurricular activities. These years are going to call for a major investment in many ways, so make those investments prudently..
Third, speaking of money, be wise. Think about what Joseph ordered the Egyptians to do. When you have more, save it toward when you have less. Don't buy just because it makes you feel good or because you think the item won't be there tomorrow; if the Lord knows you need it, you will have it.
You were taught the Scriptures, so remember these passages from the Sermon on the Mount:
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do now sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father fees them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry, then, saying 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthews 6:25-34; NAS).
Fourth, spend more time with your family. You may want to make friends, and that is a good thing usually, but no one can take the place of family, at least not for you. Take advantage of opportunities to be with your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, in addition to your parents and sister.
Fifth, seek balance in your work life and non-work life. You know what your physical limitations are; take those into account. Burning the candle at both ends is not useful. You don't have to take on every opportunity which comes your way, even for the good things.
Sixth, in keeping with number 5, take care of your physical needs. Pay attention to getting enough rest; for example, going to the doctor and the dentist even when those seem pointless. Remember Him who created and redeemed you.
Seventh, by all means and at all points, when you get in over your heard in any way, don't be too proud to ask for help. This may be one of your greatest areas of weakness. So far the Lord has kept you by His grace through the circumstances He has ordained. Do not take this for granted. Expect His fatherly discipline too.
Nourish yourself spiritually. Walk prudently in your years in college and after. Seek to serve as He gives you opportunity, but pray before making commitments, and get advice as to whether each is right. Learn from the mistakes you make, especially learn discernment.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (NAS).
Philippians 2:1-4: "Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Holy Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mi9nd, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" (NAS).
James 1:2-4: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (NAS).
1 Peter 5:10: "After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you" (NAS).
2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen" (NAS).
posted by Ebeth | 9:23 AM
1 Comments:
Good advice for all of us.
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