10 Years

Ten years ago last week, I graduated from high school.  It really didn't hit me until I was seeing all of the graduation 2012 stuff at the stores.  I cannot believe I have been out of high school ten years.  I'm sure every year there is a class of ten year graduates who thinks the same thing.

With my class's ten year reunion approaching, I looked through some of my old high school photos and yearbooks.  I can't believe how different I looked.  This time ten years ago, I had just finished my last high school moments.  The awards assembly was over.  The senior banquet was over.  We had had Senior Sunday at church, Baccalaureate, and graduation. 

{Me on Senior Sunday at church May 19, 2002.}

I remember being scared about the future.  I also remember being ready to be done with high school.  I feel like I spent too much of my senior year being mad.  Things weren't going smoothly for me, but little did I know it was only the beginning to ten years of uncertainty.  If I had it to do over again, I would spend less time being mad and more time letting it all go. 

I also find it interesting how those four short years of high school can define how a person feels about themselves for the rest of their lives.  People are always commenting on how things were for them in high school.  Its only four years in what could be a 70+ year old life.  I feel like I'm not the person I was in high school.  I hope I have changed for the better. 

This week ten years ago, I was in Destin, FL with nine of my classmates. 

{Looking good at 18.  June 1-8, 2002.}

A lot can happen in ten years; college, jobs, marriages, babies, happiness, and heartbreak.  This was the trip when I knew things were changing, whether I wanted them to or not.  I laugh when I think of all of the kids that would be running around if we went on this same trip now. 

{Ready for adventure.  June 1, 2002}

Ten years ago, I had my own ideas as to where I would be and what I would be doing at this point in my life.  While some of these dreams and ideas never happened, some did.  I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be, but I don't think I've actually reached my destination yet.  With so many things still up in the air for me, I have to be still and know that God is in control.  Just like He was ten years ago when I took that first step.