Teens

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If Only I Knew Then
By Dan Blankenship


Okay, teenagers 13 thru 18, ready for some advice? I’m not talking about a boring list of do’s and don’ts, but some real life, I learned the really, really, really hard way, advice that might make life a little bit easier when the time comes to fly solo out in the big scary (okay, it’s not that scary) world.

First of all, do not be afraid to ask questions! Regardless of how stupid you think people view you if you ask what you consider to be a stupid question, you’ll look even more foolish if you show up at a book discussion about the Left Behind series and think Chloe is pronounced exactly how it is spelled (emphasis on the “CH” and dropping off the “e” sound) and not “Klo-ee.” Talk about turning red!

Secondly, avoid the credit card trap! I can’t emphasize this enough. Credit cards shouldn’t even be talked about in plural form, let alone actually exists in plural form inside a person’s wallet. Seriously, study everything possible about credit cards and the disastrous road they can lead a person down. Credit cards at the beginning of my journey are a mistake I just recently gout out from under. Remember, I am 40!

Thirdly, never buy a house or rent an apartment that only leaves you with enough money for food and toilet paper! As stupid as this may seem, it is an everyday event across America. If home base doesn’t allow for living expenses and unexpected expenses like car repairs, then it just makes absolutely no sense to sign the lease or purchase agreement. Make other arrangements like a roommate or a more affordable domain. This is the one area of my life where I have made very good choices and it has definitely paid off.

Next on the “this is not a boring list” list is to always expect the unexpected. Okay, right now you’re asking how anyone can expect the unexpected. It’s easy; whatever you think can’t possibly happen to you, expect that it will.

You know that college class you think will be a breeze? Expect that the instructor might just be one of the worst course presenters you have ever encountered in your life.

You know that car you’re sure will not breakdown on the rainiest day in the past decade? Expect that it will not only break down but do so in the middle of a busy intersection.

Now I’m not saying that we should live our lives with a pessimistic attitude, but that we should be prepared for such events. Have an alternate college course in mind when you sign up for that “logic” class you thought would be about logic and not algebraic formulas. Have an umbrella in your car even though you’re driving a brand new Lexus. Prepare for the unexpected by expecting the little things in life to bite at your heels now and then.

And lastly, pray for guidance from above. No matter who you are, no matter what you encounter, there is no time in your life that God isn’t able to hear your prayers. He is the same throughout the ages, and if He didn’t care about your needs, your wants, your troubles, He would not have sent His Son to pull you from the devouring disease of sin. And He would have not built a wonderful new home where we will not need to prepare for obstacles, setbacks, or difficult college courses.

So as you embark on your journey forward, remember that the best advice one can receive is from an ancient textbook that offers ageless advice and was authored by the best advice giver in the universe.

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