The End of an Era

Well, it’s over.

I am done with high school.

All my mandatory classes are complete. No more quizzes, papers, exams, or projects…for a little while.

I cannot believe I’m here.

I wish I could stay in high school forever with my family, friends, and church family. Instead, I can prepare for college life—meeting new people, experiencing new things, and learning to juggle a new schedule. As I’ve mentioned multiple times on my blog, these upcoming experiences freak me out. A tiny part of me is excited, but the other part of me would rather crawl in a hole than go off to college.

But it is what it is. Maybe I’ll love it, or maybe I’ll hate it. I won’t know for sure until I get there, but if I hate it, I can come home and trust that the situation wasn’t God’s will for me.

For now, I need to enjoy my last summer before I transition from teenhood to adulthood. (But no pressure. 😉 )

Honestly, this is a bittersweet time in my life that usually feels more bitter than sweet. How can I celebrate my graduation from high school when I feel so nervous about the future? How can I move on? How can I be independent and grow up?

I guess it’ll just happen.

But I cannot forget one thing: to keep growing in Christ.

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.  (2 Peter 3:17-18 NKJV)

These are Peter’s last words to his audience. Basically, he wants us to grow—not in our self-esteem or our accomplishments but in our Lord and Savior.

For the past four years, life has had its ups and downs. It has been hard, but God has been good. I’ve struggled with irritations, insecurities, and doubts; but He is still with me.

And for the four years to come, life will have its ups and downs. It will be hard, but God will be good. I will struggle with irritations, insecurities, and doubts; but He will be with me still.

That’s true for me, and it’s true for you.

You’re never too old to grow “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (v. 18). So keep growing, friend! Keep studying His Word, keep praying, keep fellowshipping, keep worshiping, and keep serving Him.

You may have experienced tragedies, but you are still here.

And so is your God.

Praise Him for your past because He has brought you through, and praise Him for your future because He will continue to carry you.