Top Ten Things We Wish We Had Known in High School
(In case you missed this on Sunday, or just want to see it again)
1. It goes by quickly. I remember thinking that High School would never end. I literally thought I would be there forever. I wasn't.(In case you missed this on Sunday, or just want to see it again)
2. Make good friends; the kind who love you for you you are not what you can do for them.
3. Get involved... but not in everything. If you don't love student government, don't do it just because you think it will look good on a college application or because all of your friends are doing it. Have your priorities and stick to them. It's better to do well in a few things than okay in a bunch of things.
4. Serve others. Life isn't about what you can do for yourself. Look for little and big ways you can serve your friends and classmates at school and those in need in your community. Don't do it just for the credit, do it because you have been blessed and want to bless others in return.
5. Don't skip church (if you don't have to). I know this is expected coming from a youth pastor but seriously, there is a reason that the Bible tells us not to forsake meeting with other believers. We need each other to support and encourage each other. Even if it means coming to church in your bright orange soccer uniform before a game (like I did frequently in high school, don't judge, it was cool), or spending your Saturday afternoon doing homework instead of napping. It's worth it, I promise.
6. Popularity is relative. Just because someone is in the "popular group" doesn't mean they are necessarily the most well liked or the nicest people. It mostly means people know who they are, which isn't always a good thing. If you are a friendly person, get involved in your school and treat others around you with respect, by the time you leave, you will soon be well known too, and for all the right reasons.
7. Grades are important but they aren't everything. Believe it or not no one ever asks be today what my GPA in high school, (much to my dismay). Yes, getting goods grades will be important for college applications and scholarships, but being well balanced and healthy is most important. Do your best, that's all you can ask for.
8. Really, Do Your Best. When I say "do your best," that is different for everyone, but everyone knows when they are putting in their best effort and when they are not. This is why I emphasize priorities, if you can't give your best you are probably doing too much... balance, balance, balance.
9. Be nice to your parents. They work hard to make sure you have everything you need to succeed in life. They also probably did not major in parenting in college. They are learning how to be the best parent to a teenager they can be while you are learning how to be a teenager. Give them some slack and be thankful for what they do, even if you don't really understand it all right now. You will understand someday and you will be glad for the times you were grateful.
10. Make your relationship with God a top priority. I don't care if it means have 15 minutes less to curl your hair in the morning, or going to bed 30 minutes later than you'd prefer (which also might result in have less time to do your hair in the morning... poor hair). Spend time reading God's word and praying. It makes a difference in your attitude and your outlook on life.
And since we're talking about high school, here is a throw back picture of me in high school. It still feels like just yesterday, but I can tell that time has passed from the little baby fat cheeks I still have in this picture.
