I'm Starting With the Man in the Mirror

Here's to the Past, the Present, and the Future:

"I am evolving each and every day."

-P.S.

Jill McCorkle

It's getting close to the end of my senior year so of course I've been thinking a lot about how far I've come and where I'm at and what the rest of life has waiting for me.

The Past:

My past includes some tough stuff, I know that sounds weird considering I'm only 18. But I'm so thankful that I've learned all that I have as young as I am and I'm so grateful for having those around me that I can thank for being there and loving on me (Most of them still there) Like my big sister. For awhile she practically raised me. I cannot imagine having grown up without her. She spoils me and beats up on me and can always always make me smile. :)

The Present:

This is my senior year, and oh my goodness how it has flown. The past year has been a whirlwind of growth and change. I'm beginning to live my dreams: being able to study literature in depth, traveling to India, making friends that I never imagined (most of them either years older than me or only half my age.) It's hard for me to grasp that this is reality. I am so blessed. In one year I have done and seen things that hundreds of people only dream of. I've learned that it's good to be myself, even if I have nothing in common with those around me. Because even if I feel alone, I'm with Jesus. And when I'm being who I am, I stand out.

"But what kind of life is that, if you have to spend all of your time filling up on all the awful stuff that is not your life?"

-P.S.

Jill McCorkle

The Future:

The truth is that I'm graduating. And sooner than later, I will have to be more independent than I am now. I will have to be brave enough to pump my own gas, cash my own checks, and call complete strangers regardless of how embarrassed I feel. But I'm excited, I'm ready to start a career. I'm thrilled to jump into my favorite part of life: learning. And finding people with a lot of the same interests. For me the future looks bright. I will always have my past, and I am somewhat thankful for that. Because it's when you forget that you get angry or complacent. It's good to remember how far you've come, to build a memorial on the other side of your river (as the Israelites did after they crossed the Jordan River). I hope that I will always be able to look back on my friendships, on my family, on circumstances, and say with pride in my heart, "That is how God made me who I am today."

Life is a roller coaster, so have a wild time.

Pretend you're a dragon if you want to. Splash some water on your friends as you walk by a fountain. Eat junk food every now and then. Laugh till you cry. And hold your friends and family tight.