Buckle Up, Buttercup

“Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” – James 4:13-15

Life goes by SO FAST.

Trust me, I never thought I’d say it, but it really does. 

In my life, everything – at least in the moment – seems to go by sooooo slowly, but looking back I realize just how quickly almost 20 years has flown by.

I’ve become a big sister twice (sometimes the worst and sometimes the best), made it through elementary and middle school, graduated high school!!!!, started college and have just about made it through my second year all while trying my hardest to maintain a somewhat normal anxiety/crazy level. 

I’ve gained many new skills and worked several different jobs: babysitting, Fairview, Chel’Dens, Chick-fil-A, and now resident advisor at UNA.

But nothing can truly prepare you for life, and you don’t really get to pick what happens.

Yes, you make decisions that can greatly affect your path (negatively or positively), but ultimately God already knows exactly what you’re going to do. 

Saying that, I need to continue on to explain you need to make smart choices. 

All eyes are on you whether you believe it or not. 

Don’t make a decision, post a status, or say anything that could harm your reputation, future, or livelihood… it’s not worth it.

All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with malice. Also, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. – Ephesians 4:31-32

Life throws you so many curveballs it’s not even funny: literal or figurative storms, heartbreaks, etc. 

It is no joke a real roller coaster, but you know what buckle up and put your hands in the air because it is such a fun ride. 

Through the hard times and the easy ones there will ALWAYS be something to laugh about. 

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy. – Psalm 126:2-3

When your barista makes you the wrong coffee – laugh it off and kindly request they make a new one.

When you step in a huge puddle in dry tennis shoes – laugh it off and go hold your socks under the hand dryer in the nasty math building bathroom.

When your umbrella breaks because of the wind – laugh it off and go play in the rain. 

Have the heart and soul like that of a child and the world would always be viewed as beautiful even in the darkest times. 

Find the light.

It may seem like it is so far away and impossible to reach, but buckle up and drive full-speed ahead until you reach that spotlight at the end. It will be so worth the journey.

You are God’s most precious and beautiful creation. How could you expect Him to let you suffer? 

It may seem like the most difficult time (I promise I am not belittling any situation you may be facing), but God has something so beautiful planned for you!

Buckle up, buttercup. 

Life’s a crazy, wild ride, but just imagine how beautiful your final destination will be.

---

A little bit about Taylor...

Taylor Barnett is a music minister's child and public school teacher who has spent over a decade weaving words into stories that are an attempt to inspire when life's challenges seem overbearing. Her journey began with a simple lifestyle blog that chronicled her adventures and obstacles across her time from high school through college, and it blossomed into an amazing writing opportunity for Christian communication with others and Gospel-sharing with the world. When she’s not teaching or writing (in her very sparse free time), Taylor enjoys spending time with her family and indulging in her love for photography. She believes in lifelong learning and is currently pursuing a higher education degree in teacher leadership to enhance her communication and leadership skills. Taylor loves connecting with her friends and fellow believers to encourage and comfort in all of life's trials.