Life isn't slowing down anytime soon. And although I'm just trying to take it one day at a time, I'm having a hard time keeping up.

In English class, I've been learning about filling my writing with reactions. "React, don't record!" Reactions are supposed to involve my opinions, my thoughts, my ideas, my views, etc. When life presents us with hardships, our reaction is that of surprise. Why? God has kept no secrets from us. He has made it very clear that while we are following the "road of life," we will face challenges. So much lies in how we react during difficult times. My peers see me at school reading my devotional during lunch and they take notice of the shirts I wear with Bible verses all over them. My friends know much I love God and they're watching me because I'm supposed to set the standard. No matter how stressful my trials are, I need to set a positive example for others that gives God the glory through my actions and through my words. Besides, struggles are so brief compared to the days ahead. "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14.)"

Next time you throw a rock into a pond, pay attention to the result. The rock causes a ripple in the pond, slowly affecting every inch of that particular body of water. The same is true for the way we behave. Actions bear consequences. We fail to realize that our choices (good or bad) affect everybody around us in one way or another. Our intentions might not always match up with the intended outcome, and sometimes people we love are hurt because of that. Life isn't available in black and/or white all the time. There are unavoidable shades of gray. And we need to be more careful for that reason.

I need transparency right now. I need to be surrounded by people who aren't afraid to weep with me. I need something real, something painful. Something messy. I need someone to look at me and think something other than, "Oh, that's so sad for you, but really I'm just glad it's not happening to me."