Worry

Worry can control and consume our life. At my age, it feels like there are countless things to worry about sometimes. 

How well will I do on this AP test?

Where am I going to college?

How high does my SAT score need to be to get into that college?

Will I fail that quiz, project or test?

Will I end up spending my summer alone because I'm a loner with no social life?

Okay, so while the last one isn't really true, I'm sure many of you can relate to the above worries, and you probably have many more to add to this list. You probably spend days and nights thinking about these things, to the point where you almost make make yourself physically sick. 

In the Bible, Luke 12:25 says, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? (NIV)" It doesn't matter what you believe, this verse can apply to anyone. Do you know of elderly people who, when asked about how they've lived so long, reply, "Well young whipper snapper, it's because I've spent my entire  life worrying." Probably not, unless they were that sarcastic-grumpy-old-man-type. But even then they wouldn't be telling the truth. Worrying wastes precious seconds, minutes, and hours of our day. Time that could be spent being happy and joyful is spent being stressed out at events that you probably don't have any reason to be stressed out about in the first place. You're not adding, you're subtracting. 

Now don't get me wrong, it's quite the challenge to just flat-out stop worrying, and I don't expect you to, but when something is hanging heavy on your mind, ask yourself, "Is this really something to worry over?" Chances are, it's not. So while doing well on test and getting into college are both very important and should be taken seriously, don't cause yourself to freak out too much. A little worry can be healthy, as it shows that at least you care about the situation, but like many things, moderation is key. Don't loose time by focusing on what's going to happen. Focus on the present, the now, and let those dreaded events come, and they must come, for that is part of the beautiful journey that we call life.