7 Things I’ve Learned in My 20 Years of Life

I just recently turned 20, so I’ve been reflecting on my (short!) life so far. Although I could go on and on about the things I have learned, I’m gonna narrow it down to 7:

1. Life is hard, but it’s worth it. Life is definitely not a day at the beach. I learned that very quickly as I became a preteen and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Life is a roller coaster of emotions! But the strength that God gives you will always overcome the hardships in life. You just have to find the beautiful moments. It may be standing on the beach looking out into the vast blue ocean, or it may simply be laughing so hard that you cry with friends. The great moments in life, small or big, far outweigh the hardships. Even through rough times, there is always a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel because of Jesus. Always remember that.
2. Friends come and go. Don’t hold on too tight to one particular friend. Your best friend freshman year of high school may not even be in your life your freshman year of college.
3. That being said, cherish special friends. You will have friends that come into your life and stay by your side through it all. These are the special friends, the ones that you know you can always count on to be there for you. You may not talk to them every day anymore, but when it comes down to it, they always make time to see you when you are in the same place.
4. Don’t rely too much on one person. The only person you should rely on is God. Relying too much on one person is poisonous to yourself and to them. They cannot always be there for you because they have other things to deal with in life. You cannot always be the main focus, no matter how much you expect to be. Luckily, you are always God’s main focus. Rely on Him.
5. Love others relentlessly. Even if they don’t like you or act like you don’t exist, go out of your way to love them. It’s super hard, but it’s not impossible. Be kind to others, and treat them the way that you want to be treated. You never know, it may rub off on them.
6. Don’t settle. You may feel as if you love someone, but if they don’t make you happy and you’re angry at them more often than not, just end it. You may feel like you’ll never find anyone else, but that’s not true. If you’re dating someone you don’t get along with, just leave. You'll both be better off and you’ll both find a better fit.
7. God loves you more than you will ever know. Even when I did not have a relationship with God, He loved me and pursued me. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, you and I crossed His mind. He did that for you. He did that for me. That is true love.

All I have to say is, it's a good thing that I have eternal life in a Heaven where there is perfection :)