Love Notes for Teens: Finish Strong

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Finish Strong

Coming to the close of this year's academic and sports season, let's finish strong! How?

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Compete well. Being able to say, "I did my very best," brings personal satisfaction and helps to avoid regrets. Show up, work hard, avoid shady shortcuts, and be courteous to others.

Finish the race. Finish the test, the class, the practice, the game. Finish the quarter, the semester, the season, the year. By finishing, you are automatically ahead of those who quit out of weakness or from tragedy.

Keep the faith. Everyone faces tragedy, falling, injury, slumps, failing. If you see failure as a type of test, a test of character and faith, this too becomes a race to finish strong. Be humble. Figure out what didn't work and fix it. Grieve. Heal. Regroup. Cooperate. Ready yourself for the next opportunity. Pray.

Life is made up of races, sprints and marathons, intertwined. Practicing the hard work of finishing strong now, will help you to grow strong and know what it takes to finish strong in the future.

I'm here on the sidelines, ringing the COWBELL, whistling, and cheering you on to the finish line!

Love,
Mom

You are loved.

God loves you. If you take nothing else from my love notes, know that you are loved beyond your imagination. If you know this, really know and trust this love in your mind and heart, then each day you live is full of purpose and meaning, and your choices will be positive. God loves you because He created you and you are His. You are alive to know, love, and serve Him. This is the most beautiful love story of your life!

The teen years are short - 7 years out of your life. The privilege and responsibility to choose well, increases rapidly. In this time you change from a child to a one-of-a-kind adult. This change is painful and purposeful. Let this not discourage you, but rather be reassured that your difficulties are life tests. With good information, encouragement, and support, you can pass these tests with flying colors! Who do you want to be? Who do you want to become?

Bloggkeeping

*Love Notes are written primarily with my 19 year old daughter, 16 year old son, and almost 13 year old son in mind. Plus I consider myself auntie to several special teens. Love you!

*Love Notes aren't five paragraph essays. Grammar here is informal.

*Love Notes are gifts to you. I hope you like them, they fit just right, and you don't have to return them. Reading, sharing, noting your reactions, and following here is a "Thank you" note to me. The Comments Section is closed.

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*Love Notes is free of copyright restrictions and not an avenue for income. Take and share what you like and I appreciate being given credit, when fitting.