8 Things I've Learned As A Twenty-One-Year-Old

       When I was a kid I used to think that adults had life all figured out. In my ignorance I assumed I'd just have it all together once I hit my twenties and that my life would unfold into a seamless fairytale of adventure and romance. HA. Now that I'm twenty-one and an "official" adult, I can say that statement is very inaccurate.  I don't have my life all together, it is far from a fairytale, and the exciting adventures and romance are terribly lacking.  In the midst of fumbling about in this obstacle course called "life," however, I have found being adult has led me to deeper joy, closer relationships, and increasing faith in my king, Jesus Christ. Here are eight things that I've learned this past year as a twenty-year-old.

1. Be the person I've always wanted to be.  When I was a kid I wanted to be the kind of person who kept all my belongings with an open hand ready to give and serve to anyone in need. This a quality I have striven for this year through prayer and making giving a habit. If I die tomorrow I don't want to have any regrets that I wasn't trying to be the best version of myself I could be. 

2. Loving people is hard work. I've come to see that truly loving someone sometimes means running towards tough situations to work them out rather than ignoring them or running away. Through conflict I've seen my weaknesses so much more clearly and realized what a difficult person I can be. There have been some very hard lessons and some humbled tears but in the end I now see more clearly the beauty of asking forgiveness and my desperate need for Jesus every day.

3. Friendships come and go. Especially in ministry, God often calls people away but also brings people into my life very suddenly. Many of my close friends have moved away but many dear friends now have only been in my life a few months. I've learned to enjoy my friends fully while I have them but also hold them with an open hand, knowng that God is sovereign over their lives and might call them to another place at any point. I know now to make the most of every opportunity to get to know and cherish these people.

4. The importance of taking care of myself.  I spent the first half of 2015 very sick and found out the hard way the value of self care.  I have Celiac Disease which is an autoimmune disorder where I have to stay far away from gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye).  It was triggered by my lack of sleep and (bascially non-existing) self care habits. From this I learned that while school and people are important, sleep, a balanced diet, exerise, and time alone is irreplaceable and will benefit me in the long run.  My mom and grandma have been absolute champs this year in helping me regulate my diet and being my food allergy cheerleaders.  Thanks Mom and Nonnie!

5. Adventures are always right around the corner.  My whole mentality changed this year when I realized any simple moment can become an adventure if I'm willing to look at it that way thanks to the wonderful influence of my roommates.  Since then, I have become familiar with Charleston art galleries and racked up many cherished memories at Folly Beach.

6. Every person has a story. I always knew that to be true, but this year I've come to experience that on a whole new level. I had the privilege of interacting with many different types of people with many different illnesses and backgrounds thanks to my nursing studies and it has led me to love hearing stranger's stories and never judge a book by its cover. Even with my friends and family, I'm learning to stop assuming and how to ask better questions to understand them.

7. There is joy in singleness. When I was in high school I honestly thought I'd be dating at this age, possibly even close to engagement.  God had other and much more marvelous plans.  In my singleness this year I have learned joy - the joy of hospitality, the joy of solitude, the joy of sister friendships, the joy of serving freely, and the joy of self-discovery. I'm not going to lie and tell you that being single has been easy but every stage of life has its own struggles and this is one stage I'm finding joy in.

8. Being in relationship with Jesus only gets better. I've heard some older Christians say about new Christians "just wait until they've been a Christian as long as I have and the excitement dies down, then they'll see what it's really like." I believe that is a lie from Satan himself. I have been a follower of Jesus for 14 years now and I have never been so in love with Jesus or so alive in his Spirit as I am today. I believe that Jesus is alive and active and we are replicas of him when we pursue him in prayer and in his word, but also are willing to boldly obey the Holy Spirit in faith.  Of course I've gone through spiritually dry times, but I have let those times drive me towards God and his word. Living for Jesus is about putting my all in and it is the most rewarding thing I have ever chosen in my life.


If I could go back and talk to my teenage self, I would probably tell myself that while life isn't a fairy tale, it is a wonderfully joyful and exciting journey full of struggles, victories, and beautiful sunsets. Don't let anyone tell you different.