Life is a Climb, but the View is Great
Does this title ring a bell? If you are a late 90’s kid like me, this might have been your childhood. Yes, it is from The Hannah Montana Movie. Miley Stewart had everything a young kid could want. From the awesome dad, to the dream closet, to the beach house, and to the roaring fans. But when she had to skip the red carpet to go to her grandma’s house, she had to rethink what really mattered.
Sometimes in life, situations are put in front of us that make us slow down and really think what is important in our life. This life is not about how much money we have or items that we have. It is not about who is the most popular in school, or who has the coolest job. It is how you can love and serve God. How can you be a light in a dark world? How can you be a friend to the friendless?
1 John 2:15 “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.
John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you will not have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
Throughout my school days, I woke up early each morning to straighten my hair and do my make-up. I did not like ponytails, wearing sweatpants or athletic shorts. I had to wear jeans, and nice shirts. For me I wanted to look cute and impress others. Every night I would pray that I could answer the teacher’s questions correctly in front of the whole class, that I wouldn’t be late to any of my classes, that I could get my locker open and remember my combination, that I would be good at the PE activity that day. It is kind of funny to look back on what our mind was thinking when we are going through life as a young teen. My mind was so focused on trying to fit in, to be liked by others, and for all that it is worth, try avoiding embarrassment. Do not get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with wanting to look cute and wanting to fit in. Just do not let that consume you; like it did for me.
When I had to attend a meeting I did not want to or do a presentation in front of the whole class, my mom always reminded me and said “Molly, stick out your right hand and say, Jesus please take my right hand and help me through this situation. Give me the peace and comfort that can only come from you.” It is an incredible feeling once you have done that. Knowing that Jesus is walking right alongside of you. He is standing in front of the class with you. Cheering you on.
Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
My classmates knew. They knew I was different. They knew I had the Holy Spirit walking with me. One memory that comes to mind, was my date and I were invited to go to a friend’s house for a little party after homecoming. The only way I could go to the after party was if my date would go to Church with me the next morning. I did not announce that to the whole school, but my date did. Once I heard about people saying “oh she made him go to church the next morning” I was kind of embarrassed because I did not like to be the topic of people’s conversations, but having that happen I was able to realize that I was different than others, and that’s what started the “yes I am different” focus. The more I went through High School, the more my focus changed. Yes, I still hated to be embarrassed in front of the class and yes, I still wanted to dress nice. But I told myself, I am loved by Jesus. I am a child of God.
I got involved with a group called FCA- Fellowship of Christian Athletes. We met every Friday morning before school for an hour. This group taught me to do everything for the Glory of God. This group gave me the confidence I needed in my Faith.
My Senior year I had to do a research project for English class. My topic was “What did God mean when He said we were made in His image”. My teacher was a believer and when we had to go around the room and say our topic, she made me say my topic twice. I feel she wanted to make sure everyone knew where I stood. She was proud. She was proud that I was willing to step out of my comfort zone and go public with my Faith. I do not think I would have ever been able to do that topic if it were not for finding confidence in my Faith earlier on in high school.
My prayer for you is to find a safety group or some close friends that make you grow your Faith and make you more confident in who you are. Be the odd ball out. Be different. Be the change. It is not always easy, but the view is so much better at the top. God never said living the narrow path would be easy. But he did say he would walk with us and guide us through whatever is brought before us.
Isaiah 58:11 “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.”
If you have heard or watched The Hannah Montana Movie, you might recall that Miley Stewart finally realized what mattered in life. She realized that her family, her friends, the guy she liked, her hometown people, were all more important to her than her stardom and the red carpet. So, I do hope that you too can find out what really matters in your life. That your main focus can be set on what really matters in this world. I hope that you can see how amazing you are and how you are so loved by our heavenly Father.