17 - Ugh!

My daughter and most of her friends are 17. I don't feel that old and yet so much seems to be different from being 17 in the 80's and being 17 today. Alora is seemingly under so much pressure for college that it has become difficult to not let it consume the rest of us as well. Class schedules, AP exams, SAT's, GPA's, college visits, mounds of letters and packets in the mailbox everyday...ugh! I really have a different set of memories from my junior year of high school. I remember having fun. It has been difficult watching her (and her friends) struggle with all the choices. Do I load up senior year or take it easy? Do I have time for a job? How many clubs and after school activities are enough? 

I keep reminding her - and myself - that, as Christians, we need to believe that God already knows where both of my kids are going to college. He already has a snapshot of them at their graduation from that college in His mind. As long as we focus on that understanding and keep praying, He will reveal to Alora - and to us - which school that is. She will know it, love it, and get accepted! 

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We have all heard this verse...many of us probably have it memorized. However, I like the next two verses even more. "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."