Feelin’ Twenty-Two

I’m Feelin’ Twenty-Two

Well, you heard it here first, I am a whole year older. 22 feels a lot different than 21. 21 was exciting because it meant so long kids table at family dinners, so long life without happy hours, and so long to… well ya know, that thing that used to get you into bars. It seems like every year after 21, society chases you with questions like, “what do you want to do after college?” “Do you have a job lined up,” or “are you seeing anyone?” and “are they the one?” If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t have those answers lined up. And hey, that’s okay sister!

This blog is for people like me and you, if you can relate even in the slightest to not having it all figured out. Sometimes we need people in our lives who have walked the road we’re on before us, to lend a flashlight to what seems like a dark and undiscovered path. My hope is to bring you these people to help you keep walking. Whether you’re 22 or 72, we all can use a friend to walk with us through life with a Christian perspective.

Here’s what I can offer you today, the things I have learned in my 22 years. First, your hardest days will supply you with armor for the best days. What do I mean?  Well, have you ever known what it feels like at your lowest? Schools not going well. Your boyfriend dumps you, you lose a friend, tough practice, injured, and the list goes on. Well, in these moments you’re gaining custom armor. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”- James 1:2-4. The key part of this verse is this, “let perseverance finish its work.” That’s the tough part. In your lowest moment, darkest hour, and worst day God is working. Trust in this truth and let Him finish the work. Don’t give up on yourself, your job, your life, school, sports, that relationships, or your faith. I promise you; a brighter day is coming. It may not come as soon as you’d like but it will. You have to believe it and work to find the light at the end of the tunnel. You are gaining your armor. The next obstacle that comes your way will have no chance against you, take it from me.

Second, invest in friendships. Losing a friend stinks and having that large group of semi-close friends won’t fulfill our human desire for connection. “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”- Proverbs 18:24. Find your people and invest in those relationships. Loads of people will come and go in our lives. Don’t let those that mean the most to you slip away simply because you forget to text or call. Send that birthday message, book that flight, wish a happy anniversary, and congratulate that person on their big accomplishment. These small actions will go a long way. When life gets tough, you’ll need those friends. When life is so good, you’ll wish you had them by your side to share the moment.

Third, be kind. Yeah, I know, your mom has been telling you this since birth. But really, be kind to people. You don’t want to look back on your time here and think, ‘man I could have been a lot nicer to Susie, and Charlotte, and maybe Nicole.’ You don’t get those moments back with the people you cross paths with in life. So even if it means taking the high road, just be nice my friend. You’ll be happy with the person in the mirror when our time on earth runs out. And if it’s not too late, say you’re sorry. I know for some that is a big pill to swallow but soon it will feel like taking Advil for a massive headache, the pain of pride will go away. “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High”- Luke 6:35.

Lastly, time goes by fast, so don’t waste it. Let the petty stuff go and enjoy this beautiful life God has given you. I am not perfect and many days I find myself selfishly ignoring all that He has blessed me with. So much that I do not deserve, so much I could never have obtained on my own, and so much good that often goes unseen to the naked eye. We don’t get a second chance on this earth, so as I like to say, “full send.” Buy those concert tickets you’ve been saving for. Dance in the rain on a Saturday night with your bestie. Go on the date you’ve been putting off. Laugh at your own jokes, cry with a friend, and don’t forget to call mom. Wherever life takes you, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go”- Joshua 1:9. We’ve got the best compass on our side, start the adventure!

I may not be the smartest tool in the shed but I hope these few things that I have learned during the roads I’ve been on will help you in your path. Here’s to feelin’ twenty-two!

#keepwalking

Love

-Lauren

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