This picture was taken my first day of high school.
As you can see, I was wearing a shirt that said "You Need Jesus Bro, I'm Just Sayin'" and I was going through my "no makeup other than 'Great Lash'"phase. My first day I wrote in my journal how disgusted I was already with the sight and sounds of the high school, and that I really needed to be a light to them. I love this Laura so much looking back, and I decided to write a letter to her, encouraging her and telling her of some of the great things she would do.
Dear fourteen-year-old Laura,
Girl, I love you. In fact, my current self wishes I could be just like you. You are so ON FIRE for the Lord, and you HAVE to keep it going. You write Bible verses on sticky notes and leave them in the girl's bathrooms at school, you place little gospel books on the sinks and counters in there too, you are so courageous! You wear t-shirts that proclaim the gospel and try to love your worst enemies, keep it up!! There is going to come a time where it seems like you are the only Christian left in your school because the others have moved and some others are slipping away, but God is with you. God set you apart, you cannot just disappear back into the crowd.
A lot of the times the kids in your class are going to treat you like garbage, and constantly make fun of you. Don't give into the temptation of cussing them out or being snarky to them back. Be patient, show them love in return. Yes, you'll get some laughs if you give in and freak out at them, but there will be a constant pain in your heart as well. You won't feel like yourself anymore.
But don't get too arrogant either. Yes, you are a holy child of God, but that does not mean you are much better than any of the kids in Fort Fairfield. You are going to do something amazing things in high school and be involved in doing so many great things, you're even going to reach your goals of being the NHS chapter President and be your class Valedictorian! ...but don't let it get to your head. Yes, you're privileged, and even somewhat spoiled...do not let that harden your heart. You never promised anyone that you wouldn't come back to Aroostook County or Fort Fairfield, no matter how much you thought you hated it, because you felt God wanted you to do great things in the County. Out of all places, you knew Fort Fairfield needed it the most. Don't let lies that you're somehow magically greater than Aroostook County spoil your four years in high school, because you will let so many cool opportunities to share Jesus and His message slip away. (PS don't bash the school either, it's of no help to you or others.)
Don't be lazy about going to church or youth group either, because they are all the Christian support you will have during the school year besides your immediate family. Yes, I know you are anti-social, and maybe some nights you don't feel like going to church, and in the winter you're afraid to go out on the icy roads, but it isn't about you. The church body has known you since you were a baby, and they love you and pray for you, and want to see you. Plus those girls at church are some of the best around, you can't just skip out on parties or opportunities with them, because you're missing out on deeper, Christ-centered relationships you could have had.
And finally, invest time in your family. Yes, you proclaim until you're blue in the face how much of a homebody you are... but do you actually invest in your family? Not really. You're a little snarky and sassy 24/7 with everyone. Put down your devices and talk. Take time to watch the nightly news, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy with Mom and Dad, it will be some of the most fun you have. Don't wait until the summer before you go to college to start playing card games at Nana and Papa's and getting involved in the chatter and fun that comes along with it. God blessed you with an amazing, Godly family. Get to know them, love on them. You'll never get those moments back.
I'll leave you with the most important thing, love God. In any mood, at any time.
Love,
Future Laura (who still has many more things to learn herself) <3
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