A BFF Guest Post - Life Lessons From Jacob

Guys, you get a special treat today!  Jacob, my oldest child's best friend, writes for my blog today. They have known each other since elementary (homeschool) and they now attend the same brick-and-mortar high school.  I gave him permission to use his real name. I won't make this intro long so here is Jacob -  

Hi, I’m Jacob. I like to read, write, play the piano, watch the Office, and complain about school. I would like to take this opportunity to share a few life lessons that I try to live by.

1. Smile and Wave

Now, I am a generally soft-spoken person. I do not usually put myself out there, and I am prone to secluding myself and not engaging in social interactions. However, within the few interactions I have had, I have realized that a little bit of joy goes a long way. Everyone loves a smile, and you can really brighten up someone’s day with a big one.

2. Avoid Unnecessary Conflict

One flaw that I have is that I love to cause trouble and make people mad. This is obviously not healthy behavior! There’s already a good deal of conflict present in the world, so it really doesn’t help to incite it unnecessarily. I will elaborate on ways to avoid conflict below.

3. Spread God’s Love

That’s why we’re here!

4. Women are impossible. Men are too.

There are really two camps on this issue. Many men would argue that women are crazy, but a good amount of women would feel that way about men. I have had to deal with impossible people from both sexes. I think that the sooner we realize that we are all imperfect it makes it easier to accept and love the people around us despite their imperfections. We’re all humans, we all fall short of the glory of God, but we all have each other to help us get through life!

5. LISTEN

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19

One of my greatest attributes is thinking that I’m right all the time. Another, of course, is being right all the time. However, everyone loves a good listener, and everyone has something they need someone else to hear. Pay attention to the words of others, it’s pretty essential to forming good relationships and can help to avoid unnecessary conflict.

6. Don't Take Everything Personally                                                                                                      A lot of people tend to speak before they think. People tend to say things that end up sounding hurtful without trying to. Of course, try to think before you speak but also, do not let the things other people say stick. I usually let things stick a lot. As an example, I once showed a priest my article for my school newspaper. When asked for his opinion, he gave an honest and helpful criticism, but I saw it as an attack and lack of admiration for my work, but obviously his honesty was wise and helpful when I was able to accept it for what it was.

7. Be Direct                                                                                           

This is one of my favorites, because I am very good at being passive aggressive. If you are direct about how you feel, and let people know why you’re upset, it can help them to connect with you and help you. If someone does something unsavory, I might say (erroneously) “I need new friends” instead of saying “I don’t appreciate what you just did.”

8. God Loves You                                                                                                                                      It’s pretty easy for me to be unsatisfied with myself. This can be healthy to the extent of recognizing and improving on my imperfections, but otherwise, self-deprecation is not helpful. It is good to remember that despite our flaws, we’re still infinitely loved by someone. That someone just happens to be the most powerful being in the universe.

9. Fear is the Worst Motivator                                                                                                              Everyone has very rational fears. Don’t ignore those. However, I also have a good amount of irrational fears, and all too often I let these fears dictate my actions. This is most relevant for me in social situations. I tend to blow things out of proportion and make them more frightening than they are. If you are not doing something because you are afraid, I encourage you to overcome your fear. Remember who you’ve got on your side! (See#8).

10. Never Give Up                                                                                       

Giving up usually involves taking the easier road. Did Jesus tell us to take the easier road?                                                                                                                                

11. Live in the Present

Our minds constantly drift between the past present and future. However, the present is the only thing we really have so we should try to make the most of it while we have it. One thing my Uncle Robbie likes to say is do the unrepeatable whenever you can.  Carpe Diem!

12. Forgive and Let Live                           

I tend to hold things against people for a very long time. This is dangerous and can lead to unnecessary conflict. Remember, pobody’s nerfect! Accept that what someone does may have hurt you, but it’s better to forgive them and help them improve than to stay angry at what they did.                                                                                                     

13. Don’t Ask for a Lighter Load, Ask for a Stronger Back  

This is a saying I learned on my Mission Trip. We all have crosses, and they are given to us to help us grow to reach heaven. Pray that God allows you to accept the suffering in your life.

Thank you for reading! I hope I provided you with some nuggets of wisdom. PS I am single (;