10 Things I've Learned in 20 Years

As many of you know, yesterday was my twentieth birthday.

I wanted to share some of the greatest lessons I've learned in the past twenty years.

These are in no particular order. I hope you enjoy reading these as much as I did writing them!

1) ACCEPTING JESUS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU'LL EVER DO

When I accepted Jesus as my savior almost fifteen years ago, I had no idea all the wonderful things He had in store for me. Being a child of God is one of the greatest privileges in this life. To be able to call God our father is something beyond comprehension.

I could write forever and ever about how wonderful God is and still never tell it all.

If you have never accepted Christ as your savior please do so before it's too late.

You won't regret it. I promise.

2) CHURCH IS A GOOD THING

I know many people think that church is not important but it is. Attending and being a part of a church is a blessing, not a curse. The preaching of God's word and fellowship with His saints is something we can't skip out on. It will encourage and uplift the soul.

I can remember so many times in my life when I wasn't feeling well or I didn't feel like going to church and as soon as I stepped in those doors I knew I was where I was supposed to be.

Life will always be busy but we must make time for church.

3) FRIENDS MAY COME AND GO BUT FAMILY IS FOREVER

I know it may be a bit cliche, but I learned the hard way it is very true.

The amount of "friends" that have come and gone in the past twenty years is more than I ever thought possible. When you're young you assume that everyone who's your friend will always be there. You could never imagine losing the ones who are supposed to be your best friends.

Nothing could ever cause your friendship to end.

Unfortunately, those childhood thoughts are not reality.

We are going to lose friends we never imagined being apart from.

Friends who were supposed to be the "real ones" will suddenly be gone forever.

This may be because of something unavoidable like moving, death, etc. It could also be because of something like bitterness, sin, popularity status, jealousy, and so much more.

One thing you will always have is family. They will always love you for who you are.

Our families will continue to be by our side no matter what.

My family is one of my greatest blessings. I can't imagine life without them.

4) THERE IS SUCH A THING AS TRUE FRIENDS

True friends are the ones who are as close as family. Our bonds are strong as blood. The kind who accepts us as we are yet is constantly pushing us to become something better. To become the person God would have us to be. These friends are also the ones who will stick by your side through thick and thin. You may have bumps in the road of your friendship, but that road will never end. You'll grow together and take on more responsibilities. Sometimes you may go weeks without speaking because sometimes life just gets in the way, but the next time you speak it will be like you never stopped. This friendship may have distance but you're never apart.

5) CHERISH EVERY MOMENT

This one is a lesson I learned more recently when going through the things we have with my sister Hannah. If you don't know what I'm talking about, my sister has been very sick for nearly three years now. She was recently diagnosed with MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome). That whole situation is another story for another time but, I think one of the biggest things I learned through this trial was to cherish every moment. Take your time. When you go through hard times you're going to need those moments to look back on. I've learned to cherish the big things as well as the small ones. Sometimes those small moments of laughter will be the biggest when you go through those moments of tears. I learned not to take those little moments for granted. We don't always realize how important they are until we no longer have them.

6) GOD GIVES GRACE IN EVERY STORM

2 Corinthians 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: For my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glorify in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

I never would have made it through the hard times without God's grace. His grace truly is sufficient for me. His grace will be your strength when you're at your weakest. The grace of God is so much more powerful than anything we could ever face. Enough said.

7) WAITING ON GOD'S WILL IS HARD

Little did I know this season of waiting would be one of the hardest things I'd ever do.

I know God's will is worth it but that doesn't mean it's easy.

Though it's hard, I will continue to wait.

8) SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO TAKE A BREAK

You know the saying If you don't come apart, you will come apart? well, it's very true. Sometimes we need to just stop and take a break from all the craziness of life. It doesn't have to be some extravagant vacation or destination. It could be simply taking a day to enjoy God's creation around you or going on a day trip to the cutest little town. Maybe you just need to take a drive and spend some quiet time with God. Whatever it may be, it will keep you from coming apart from the weight of life.

9) BE KIND

I know it isn't our nature to treat those who are not kind with kindness but, you never know what someone may be going through. Just because you see a smile on the outside does not mean they are perfectly fine or even ok. Sometimes the greatest pain is only on the inside and we can't see it. We only cause more hurt by saying something in the wrong way or just saying the wrong thing all together. I know it isn't our nature to treat those who are not kind with kindness but we must. A little kindness will go a long way for someone who is having a bad day.

10) BIRTHDAYS ARE A GIFT

I know many people who don't like to make a big deal about birthdays. They say it's not necessary or it's too much. Birthdays will always be special to me. This may be an unpopular opinion but, I've always thought birthdays should be big celebrations. After all, you're celebrating that God has given you another year of life. Who wouldn't want to make a "big deal" about that? It's a blessing!