1. LOVE, NOT JUDGE
"Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." ~ Luke 6:37
It is not my place to judge the decisions of others. It is, however, my job to treat other people with love.
Love can be shown in infinitely many ways. Some examples of love are: giving a hungry person your food; spending time with a friend; building up another person with words; forgiving someone who has wronged you; expressing appreciation; the words "want to come?"; a hug; reaching out to a friend; skyping your parents; listening without judging; giving without worrying about receiving; just being there; giving another person the freedom to be themself; showing support.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." ~ 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
BONUS! When you show people love, sometimes they show you love in return. And sometimes this results in love-filled relationships with other people. In the words of the Beatles: "the love you take is equal to the love you make."
2. TAKE A CHANCE (AND THEN TAKE ANOTHER ONE)
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ~ Isaiah 41:10
With God holding me in the palm of his hand, what is there to stop me from doing things that are a bit scary?
One thing that I am afraid of is rejection. I came to Italy without knowing a single person, and I was placed into a homestay without any roommates. To make friends, I had to really put myself out there. I forced myself to strike up conversations with strangers. Sometimes it was awkward and many people were actually very rude! But I persevered and met many awesome people! I know that having loving friends adds a lot to my happiness.
So whatever you want -whether it's to go to another country, learn a new language, make a friend, join a club, take up a sport, learn to cook, face a fear- just go for it! What's really the worst that will happen?
BONUS! Every time you take a chance, you get a little bit braver.
3. DO WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." ~ 1 Corinthians 10:31
Sometimes I feel guilty about doing things that are not explicitly "productive" (by productive I mean schoolwork). However, living in another country has shown me how important it is for my happiness to do the things that I enjoy. Some things that I enjoy doing are: writing, taking pictures, spending time with friends, eating chocolate, jogging outside, reading a good book, baking, going shopping, ballroom dancing, volunteering, cooking, going to church, and travelling. I've decided that if an activity brings me joy, then that is reason enough to do it. No justification necessary. Obviously, some activities are more healthy than others, so I leave it up to you to decide which activities are beneficial and which are not so healthy for you.
BONUS! When you do an activity you love, sometimes you meet other people who share your passion. And then you get to do what you love with awesome friends!
What are you learning from your experiences right now?
I love every single word you wrote. I am glad to have such a wise friend!
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