Prompt #4 of 30 Things My Kids Should Know: List 10 things you would tell your 16-year-old self if you could.

I was a little surprised at how hard this was for me to write.  I had a really hard time coming up with ten.  In some areas, I’m still so like I was then, now, that I wouldn’t do anything differently today.  In other areas, the changes or lessons are things that just have to be experienced, so “knowing” ahead of time wouldn’t have helped.  There were a few things that might have made a big difference.  (For instance, I don’t at all regret having not gone to college.  I do, however, wish I’d known about CLEP tests as a high schooler.  It would have saved me time, money, and frustration to have those basics out of the way.)

1. Don’t hold onto your plans too tightly, because God has a great sense of humor.

2. Read the Bible all you can now, while you have lots of time.  Because one day, little ones will be placing demands on you all. day. long. and time to read will be far more scarce.  Of course you’ll still have to set aside some time then, but having a good mental storehouse will serve you well.

3. Go take all the basic-subject CLEP tests you can — now, while you have a) discretionary funds and b) fresh memories of what you’ve studied.

4. Making a point of looking good isn’t too hard, time-consuming, or all-consuming if you know what’s the right “fit” for you.  So go for it.  (Besides, think of it as an investment.  You’re done growing, so whatever you buy should fit for a long time.  And I promise you’ll learn a lot about yourself in the process of finding what works.  Oh, and by the way, you’re not a Winter.)

5. Look into holistic health.  You’ll like it. 🙂

6. Don’t go for the second set of earrings.  Despite regulations, the basketball refs will make you take them out every game, which just is not pleasant.  Wait until basketball season is over instead.

7. When you get married, register for a clock that chimes every 15 minutes.  Your time-challenged self could really benefit from having an audible indicator of the passage of time (and you may never get around to saving up for the clock).

8. When you’re taking trash to the dump in the freezing cold, be sure your hands are clear of the door before closing it.

9. Your teeth will get worse after the wisdom teeth come out.  Professionals though they may be, the dentist and orthodontist will be wrong when they tell you otherwise.  Insist on braces.

10. Your high school reading will change your life.