The countdown has been on for months, weeks, and now days. All, and I mean all, you can think about is that ever so glorious moment when you sling your cap into the air, and you are finally DONE. It is an exciting time, and you should be filled with excitement, but let me caution you for a minute to put those countdowns to the side.

The next few days will pass fleetingly, like seriously so fast. Do not wish them away. Do not count them away. Embrace every moment because life will never be the same, and believe it or not, one day you'll want it want back.

Right now it seems as if things won't really change, that graduation is more a rite of passage, a symbol of newfound freedom, a mere event that rescues you from that never ending eight to three school day. I wish that were true for you, but it just isn't.

Graduation is a sad good-bye and an exciting hello. One chapter ending gives way to a new chapter's beginning. It is one of the most unique seasons of your life- the perfect mix of nostalgia and excitement. You are so ready, but to be honest, you're probably a little scared and nervous too.

At this point in the game, maybe you have a good idea of where you're headed next, and maybe you don't. And that's okay too! But I can assure you, wherever you're going will be new, and that's so exciting. But don't forget where you came from.

So these next few days, smile a little more. Laugh a little harder. Eat that mystery meat in the cafeteria because the freshmen fifteen is a comin' and a comin' quick. Talk to the person that you never have classes with anymore. Take pictures on pictures on pictures. Don't check out every day before lunch. Go to the baseball games with your friends. Do the test corrections. Have meaningful conversations. Do not write, "Have a good summer!" in everyone's yearbook. Talk to an underclassman. Tell your teachers thank you. And make a million and one memories in just a few days.

When you leave this place on your very last day of high school, when that final bell rings, it'll hit you. You are never coming back. You are really done. This season has passed.

Life is about to start at 100 mph, and it is going to be quite the ride. And more times than not, you'll feel like you have no earthly idea where you're going. And that's because you don't. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" The plans are already laid out for you, just waiting for you to step into them.

Don't be nervous; be excited, but don't rush it! You'll have the rest of your life to be out of high school.But today and tomorrow and the next, be a senior and love every single minute of it. You never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory

"You're off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!" -Dr. Seuss