Once upon a time, there was a girl who was given the task of writing down her “story.” At first, she had no idea what she would write about… and she still really doesn’t.
I’m not going to sit here and say that my life has been 100% smooth sailing for the past twenty years, because it hasn’t. Honestly though, when I think about it, I haven’t had to deal with a lot of the things that many girls my age go through. By no means am I saying this to brag or put myself on a pedestal. I’m saying this because I recognize how richly God has blessed me.
Sure, I’ve had my fair share of hardships. I’ve been hurt by people, especially some I’ve encountered or worked with since coming to college. I’ve had to learn real fast that the world is not perfect. People aren’t going to be kind just because you think you’re a good person. I grew up sheltered with unconditional love and it really hasn’t been until recently that I’ve realized how lucky I am.
“Be grateful you’re not in the forest in FranceWhere the average young person just hasn’t a chanceTo escape from the perilous pants eating plantsBut your pants are safe, you’re a fortunate guyYou ought to be shouting how lucky am I!”
– Dr. Seuss, Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
Dr. Seuss has a point. Even though it’s true when people say that your problems should be validated even though someone else has it worse, it’s also so important to put things into perspective. When I think about what an amazing life God has placed before me, my small, petty issues suddenly becomes just that, small and petty. However, I realize that I won’t be able to skate on by for the rest of my life without facing something. As my mom has told me, “no one gets though this life without something.”
If you have had an experience similar to mine, know you are not alone. It does not make you any less of a person or weaker just because you haven’t gone through what your neighbor has. If you’ve overcome great hurdles and have had to go through fire, my heart goes out to you and I deeply admire your strength. Life really is a journey, a story. I don’t know what the future holds for me or anyone else, but I know who holds it.