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Aug 27, 2019 06:00am

High School: How to Survive and Thrive

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Seriously, high school is tough. If it’s not the AP classes and the pressure for more college credits, it’s the amount of clubs and leadership positions needed on your resume’ before you even graduate.

It’s the anxiety of being pulled a thousand different directions between homework, band, cheer, practices, student council, work, church and family.

You’ll be in over your head and your grades will suffer before you know it. Not to mention, you’ll feel like you’re going to be left out of something big if you aren’t constantly in the know on Instagram.

So how do you survive high school? Surely, it’s doable, right? I mean, people have been graduating for years, you can totally do this.

So here are 5 things that will open your eyes and 5 Proverbs that will put you on the road to success to make sure you survive high school and walk across that stage with your diploma. Contrary to popular belief…you don’t know everything.

#1 Be teachable.

OK, someone had to say it. That’s why it’s my number 1. I know, I know, you thinkyou know everything, but seriously, if you did, why are you even reading this blog? The deal is, there’s a piece of you, an itty-bitty-teeny-weenie-tiny piece but it’s still in there, that has questions.

You put on a front whether it’s to your parents, your friends, your boss, your teachers, whomever, that you are knowledgeable and confident. While this seems like a good thing, I’ll let you in on a little secret… it’s not.

Teachers, these people that are investing their time and effort into your life so that you don’t end up a bum, they have one goal – that is to teach you. So, be teachable.

Proverbs 12:1 says “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge; but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” Do you know what that word brutish means? Stupid. Don’t you love the Proverbs? Always stepping on our toes and giving us a good reality check! Don’t make it harder than it already is.

The same goes at home. While school can be tough, what’s worse is when you feel like your parents just don’t understand the stress and what you are dealing with. Let them teach you. Don’t slam the door and say I already know. Stop, take a deep breath, and listen. In the future, when you are trying to land that amazing job, that’s one of the first qualities they look for in an applicant, someone that is teachable.

Proverbs 3:7 “Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”

#2 Prioritize. Make time for what’s truly important.

So, what’s on your schedule so far? Two AP classes, or is it three this semester? Oh, and you’ve got a job now too? And don’t forget band practice from 3-6 p.m. And then of course there’s three clubs that you’re an officer for and then you’ve got homework and now your mom has asked you to help her with something.

Your brain is about to explode and it’s just the first few weeks of school! Whose fault is this really? You’ve got to take a step back and reevaluate. Make a list of your activities, organizations, and things that take up your time and make a list of what’s the most important.

Here’s the hard truth: Maybe you say you’re a Christian, but where does God fall on that list? So, we move him to the top because we say he’s the most important, but really, how much time does God get? Ten minutes a day? Maybe less? Or are we just reserving Sunday and Wednesday nights for him?

Revelation 2:4 says, “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.”

Don’t be guilty of that. Cut out the stuff that isn’t as important. This week, you might have a big test or two, so instead of going out with the group to eat after school, spend your time wisely, and get a study group together. And instead of mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, turn your phone off and spend time with the Lord. Slow down. You don’t have to do everything that’s available to you.

Proverbs 3:6: “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

#3 Surround yourself with the best of the best.

Have you ever had that friend who is literally always there for you? You can tell them anything and no matter what, they are going to be right by your side cheering you on? Those are good people, but that’s not who I’m talking about. Shocker, I know.

When you search for friends, wouldn’t you rather have someone that cares enough about you to correct you when you are wrong? Someone that will keep you on the right path, even when you want something else really bad . . . someone who listens and responds in love but also says, hey, this isn’t right. That’s the kind of people I’m talking about.

Those are the best. Why? Because our flesh, our human side of us, wants what seems and feels good in the moment, without a thought about what that might mean for the future.

Surround yourself with the group of girls that won’t talk about you when you can’t make it to the movies.

Find the group of guys that are encouraging you to do what’s right when no one’s looking instead of urging you to look, to feel, to taste what’s harmful to yourself and our future.

Proverbs 19: 20-21: “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

#4 Show kindness.

I know, it’s hard at this age. People are really getting on your nerves. And some people, well, they are just weird. But who cares? If we’re being honest, you are probably a little weird yourself.

Remember how your mom and your grandma used to say if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all? Well, there’s a reason for that. High school is tough. You are constantly feeling the pressures of society, you’re dealing with crazy hormone changes, and only God knows what else you are dealing with in life and at home.

If you are going through all of this, do you think you’re alone? There are tons of teens that feel exactly like you do. What am I saying? There are tons of ADULTS that feel like you too! So be kind.

Whether it’s a kid in your science lab without a partner, or maybe a girl that just moved to your school, or even a teacher that everyone gives a hard time. Be a shining light, a glimmer of hope in a dark world.

Proverbs 21:21: “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor.”

#5 Life lessons don’t have to be learned by experience.

Sure, I get it, sometimes life lessons are learned the hard way. But they don’t have to be. You don’t HAVE to learn it through experience. You can listen!

When someone close to you gives good, solid advice, there’s probably a story behind that wisdom. There is much in my life that I wish I had listened to my parents about, my friends, and those who tried to guide me spiritually, but I was stubborn and convinced that I had to make my own path, I had to forge my own way . . . and I was wrong.

So, before you jump out there and make that big decision, consider this: Has someone advised you against it? If so, why? Take a second to let that sink in. Many times, their advice is rich and full of wisdom.

Proverbs 3:13-14: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.”

While you’re looking through these scriptures in Proverbs, take a stroll through the entire book and soak in the depth of God’s love for you. He has a plan for your life. The fun part is seeing how it all unfolds. During these high school years, it’s important for you to keep your focus on him and what he has in store.

When you struggle, go to him in prayer.

When you get in a fight with a friend, God is close by to listen.

When you have a big decision to make, he provides the answer and the comfort.

When you feel overwhelmed and anxious, he provides the reassurance and reminder that he loves you and desires good for your life.

In fact, God is 100% the only One you can guarantee gives you the tools for the BEST life.

High school is just one step in the journey of life. You will survive!