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As this year draws to a close, I cannot help but think one thing—I cannot wait until summer so I have the chance to regroup! This year has been particularly busy for me as I am set to graduate this month and begin college in the fall. Everything just seemed to fly by so fast! It feels like only yesterday I was spending the summer working on college applications, and then school started and I was submitting my first piece of homework. Now I am studying for the last of my finals, and shopping with my parents to get everything I will need for college this fall. I feel kind of like my life went by in a blur this year!

 

I do know that in the end, I can look back on this year and thank God for His grace and mercy. I learned that “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Those of you who are graduating this year can probably sympathize when I say that senioritis hit me hard half way through the school year. I felt stressed because some of my classes were hard, I only had one more chance to take the SAT and ACT, I was working to find scholarships so I can afford to go to school, and everything just seemed so overwhelming at the time. Every day was an uphill battle I waged with myself, just trying find the drive to do what needed to be done. During the times when life seemed really hectic, I know that God was standing right next to me, His hand on my shoulder, telling me “Keep going…you’re almost there!”

 

That is what I love about God. No matter what circumstances I find myself in, I know that God is right there with me, and that I never have to walk alone. I know I thought this year was hard and stressful, but at the same time I cannot help but laugh at myself, knowing that a few years down the road I may find myself in an even more difficult situation and wonder why I ever thought being a senior in high school was the hardest thing in the world. The great thing about God is that He takes each of our burdens seriously. My petty teenage stresses are just as important to Him as the greater trials of any other person. He views each situation the same, and offers His love and guidance under any circumstances.

 

People change, life changes, and our worries change with everything. God cares about each of our worries, and because He is so great and powerful, He can take care of anything. Throughout the rest of my life, I can know that no problem or worry is too great or too small for God. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (emphasis added). When He says all, He means all! No matter what is going on in your life, whether you think you can handle it or not, turn to God. Life is so much easier when you do! Do not worry that He may think that your problem is selfish compared to the problems of other people; maybe it is, but He will not turn away His grace. In fact, you will make Him so happy if you come to Him with anything and everything. In the same way, do not think that your problem is beyond all help; God can work miracles, and can solve any of your problems. Just trust the fact that He is always there for you, and will always care about your problems.

 

To those of you still in high school, pray to God every day. Tell Him what is going on in your life, what is worrying you, and what makes you happy. For those of you in college, lean on God for strength during this transition in your life, and He will carry you through it. And to all of the adults, do not feel like you have to do everything on your own; whether you are providing for or raising a family, or just taking care of yourself, let God help you through life. You may be the person that people lean on, but do not deprive yourself of the chance to lean on someone for strength as well. God loves each of you, and whether you are worried about passing high school to go to college, deciding upon and finishing your major, trying to find and hold down a job, or trying to raise and support a family, turn to God with your worries, with your joys, and with your sorrows; they are all the same to Him! Just let Him hold you and help you—He will give you the strength, courage, and resources to get you through every moment of your life, whether it be trying or joyful!

 

In the mean time, to those of you still in school, hang in there! Time will fly by, and soon you will be bidding the “good old days” farewell. To the class of 2008, congratulations! You did it! To all of the parents and teachers, thank you. Your love and support mean more than you know!

 

I pray that God will put His hand on each of you this summer and keep it there through the years to come. May God richly bless each and every one of you, both now and in the future, as you learn to lean on Him for strength throughout all of your days. “And surely [He] is with you always” (Matthew 28:20b).

 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:22).

 

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