Great Expectations: 21st Century for Teenagers~Part 2

*** If you have not read part 1, then do not continue. Instead, scroll down and read the first part of this blog duo. ***

   Welcome to part two of Great Expectations: 21st Century Edition for Teenagers~Part 2. I'll get right down to business right after a quick recap. In the previous section, we discussed the main story idea of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. I stated that I found it to be relatable for certain reasons. I understand what Pip, the main character, is going through. He has great expectations placed upon him, by others as well as himself. Every teenager does. It's something every person has to deal with in their life as they make the stressful, awkward, and, often times, difficult transition from child to adult. Adolescence, which we all know is what comes in-between, is just that; in-between. Sometimes, its great; going to the movies with friends, staying up all night, eating endless amounts of food and never gaining a pound. Sometimes, its no cake walk; high-school stress, pressure to be cooler than the next guy, and just plain emotional meltdowns. And while that sounds extreme to say out loud (or on paper), it happens. If you haven't had said experience, good for you; your life is under control. As for the rest of us who aren't perfect and face struggles in our life, keep reading.

   There are literally countless things to be said on the subject of adolescent life. Many suggestions to happiness and steps to success can be given, but who has time to read it all? Therefore, I have put together three easy, all-encompassing steps which will easily guide the reader to 7 good teenager years (or however many you have left.) Listed least-to-greatest importance, the three steps are as follows...

   1) "Prepare ye the way..."
        The first step is to always be prepared. Literally, expect the unexpected. Sounds impossible to do, yet it's not, whether its being prepared for the pop quiz in Algebra II or to recite the first act of Romeo and Juliet. It may not even be in the schoolwork area that you need to expect the unexpected. It could just be regular life. Maybe you or a family member gets seriously sick, or maybe Facebook goes down. ( I think we all know how tragic that is...) But seriously, be ready, because life always has something to throw your way.

   2) Understand Yourself.
       The second step may seem unimportant, but it's a mistake to think so. Understanding who you are and what you believe in are important components to shaping who you will grow into. So when you find yourself confronted with great expectations, have no fear, because you know your own abilities, your own heart, mind and soul.

   3) PRAY!
       This is the most obvious part, and is of paramount importance. Pray when you're eating, pray when you're working, pray when you're sleeping if you can. God can only help you if you ask Him to. He wants your permission, because He gave us all free will and wouldn't even thinking of changing our life without you saying so first. Always remember, when in doubt, PRAY!

   Well, there you have it. The three steps to surviving great expectations. May they help you and serve you well. There will always be things expected of you, and you may have to rise up and meet these expectations. When you do, remember that the Lord loves and cares about you. Wherever you go, He follows. Never try to outrun Him. He can and will help. You need only ask. As it is written in Matthew 7:7-

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Peace in Christ,
   ~Ian James~

Endnote: I just want to give a shout-out to my cousin, Theodore, as he is graduating eighth grade and will be entering his freshman year of high school this fall. Good luck and may God be with you as you take this next big step in your life!