Miss Confuzzled

Dear Harriet,

My two older sisters are gone, now. It feels so strange and lonely at my house! I find myself wanting to be away for long periods of time, not wanting to have to deal with the pressure of being a good older sister, extra chores, and lightening the load for my mom.

Lately I've been scared about what I'm supposed to DO with my life. All of my friends seem to either already be in college, or sure of what they want to do. I'm a senior! I feel like I'm wasting my time with menial things when I should be preparing for the future!

I also haven't been writing any fiction lately. It confuses me, because that's been my passion, to weave stories, bringing to life characters that live and breathe in my imagination. But now it seems like both my inspiration and motivation are gone...

And finally, shallow though it may be, I ache for someone - a guy, of course - to admire me...like me. Is that completely self-centered and vain??

...lindy.

Dear Lindy,

Change is inevitable! You knew this day would come, and you've even been prepared for it by having the *oldest child* position for short periods of time. All you have to do is step up to the plate and accept the responsibility. As an added bonus, you'll feel a wonderful sense of satisfaction in the extra things you do, knowing that it's above and beyond what's required. And make sure you don't slack off! Sure, spending time away from the daily grind is important, but that doesn't mean you should shirk your duties. Work hard, play hard. And enjoy it! There are many ways you can make it fun!

As to your sisters? You aren't losing them forever! And you can email them, and talk to them on the phone. Don't think that just because they're away you don't have to keep up the relationship.

ALL of your friends? You know there are many who are just as confused about the future as you are. No need to get self pity in on this! Seek God. He knows your future. Ultimately, what are you supposed to be doing? Getting to know Him. Loving Him. Serving Him. Glorifying Him. Now does this mean you should just sit back and do nothing? Of course not. Look in to things. Try new things. See what talents God wants you to use for him, develop them! Soon, God will open a door. Or at least a window!

Why haven't you written? If you're afraid of failing; that's no excuse. Write through the unintelligible paragraphs and inconsistent characters. You will learn so much! If you are too lazy, then just get your butt in the chair and type. If you have no inspiration, copy off of someone else's story!! Just start WRITING! You know you love it - start doing it!

Every girl longs to be admired. It's how God made you. But don't start relying on the affection of guys to quench the thirst of being accepted. Remember your friends, your family, all who accept you for who you are. And remember God, who thinks you're beautiful. Let God handle the guy for you. Maybe your guy is just blind right now. It's possible he's watching you right now, waiting for God's timing to act (ok, not like a stalker in a window, you know I mean it figuratively!). Or maybe you haven't met him yet! Wherever he is, don't doubt the fact that he will find you! God has it all worked out.

Harriet