I learned a lot in kindergarten. Apparently, I liked it so much I went twice. That, and I was sick a lot with strep throat, which lead to tonsil removal and loads of ice cream (which is never a bad thing). There are a few things I wish I had known then that I know now:

1) It’s really OK to mess up. Failing does not mean the end of the world, whether it’s in school or the workplace or relationships or anything else. Failing doesn’t make you a failure. In fact, some of the best lessons you’ll ever learn and the most beautiful moments of intimacy with God come through failure, not success.

2) It’s really OK to be you. Warts, cooties, and all. You don’t ever have to feel second-rate or inferior to anybody. You are unique, handcrafted in God’s image by God Himself and loved by that same God more than you will ever be able to understand or get to the bottom of.

3) Your life is your own, not anybody else’s. You don’t have to measure up to anyone else’s standard of success or let anyone tell you what and where you should be right now. Married or single, on your own or still living at home, in your dream career or still searching for your place, you only have to please one person. Jesus. And here’s a news flash. If  you’ve accepted His gift of salvation, He’s pleased with you just as you are right now.

4) The best place to be in the entire world is in your Abba’s arms, knowing that your world is safely in His hands. Knowing that no matter what comes or goes, who stays or leaves, and what you gain or lose, you can believe that God will be your Eternal Refuge and Fortress.

5) Sometimes you just have to let the top down on your car or roll the windows down and turn the radio up and let the breeze blow through. Sometimes you just have to be in the moment and receive whatever God is saying to you, whether that be the people He brings you, the places He takes you, the small details you notice on the way, or snatches of songs or verses that randomly come to mind.

There are lots more things I wish I had learned earlier (and lots more blogs I could write about them). But I know that where I am is where God is and that is the absolutely best place to be in the entire universe. That’s where I want to be.

Amen and amen.