My life is a beautiful adventure that God intended for me to live out to the fullest, remembering that every day is a gift and should not be taken for granted.

Life is a game of choices. And especially when you’re young, that game can be a challenging one to play. You know that analogy that talks about standing in front of two doors, and hoping you don’t choose the door that has the lion behind it? I often imagine the choices in life in such a way. Of course, the consequences might not be as severe as walking through a door with a lion behind it, but we all know that our choices impact who we are and what we become, so why not make the best of every day and choose to make it the optimal experience?

I cherish the fact that I have significant people of influence in my life, who aid me in making the difficult decisions. One such person is my mother, a jewel-no a gem. My mom is the smartest person I know, and not just book smart, but knowledgeable about an array of different topics. She’s one of those people who can talk to anyone anywhere and is so observant that she can give you the most helpful, constructive feedback. These are just some of the reasons I love my mom (If I were writing about that it would probably be close to 100 pages). Specifically, I’m talking about a decision my mom helped guide me through.

It was the oddest of occurrences, because I had been feeling a little segregated from my friend group. We all have different schedules and of course, my schedule matched up with none of theirs. No one really knew that I felt this way, and so it must have been an act of God when my best friend asked me if I wanted to go to the Maroon 5/Kelly Clarkson concert with her. I almost had a heart attack; I mean both of those groups are so stellar I would never want to miss a concert like that, and it finally felt like I would be getting connected with someone. The only problem was I had a prior commitment the day of the concert, and me, being the “rule-following” kid that I am, could not wrap my head around missing that day of rehearsal. Needless to say, I decided to ask my mom what she thought, and oh my goodness, I thought she was almost going to die when I told her I was thinking about not going. She was so frustrated that I would even think of not taking Chandler up on the offer. After which she then proceeded to explain how important it is to snatch up opportunities like this because one day you’ll look back and either have no regrets or have a stomach full of them. So I did it; I decided to let it fly and go, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Of course the concert was absolutely amazing, I don’t know if I have ever been heard such a beautiful voice as Kelly Clarkson’s, or seen such stage presence as Adam Levine and Maroon 5, but I received so much more out of it than just a concert. I understood more fully what it means to love people, as God intends us to love other people. He doesn’t mean that we have to agree fully on everything in the spectrum of life, but we have to hold what’s precious to them so as not to endanger their inner peace and stability.

Now, you might say, “How on earth did she get that from a Maroon 5/Kelly Clarkson concert?” I’m getting there don’t worry.

It all stems from this and branches out: My mom believed that I was worth it to impart some of her wisdom to, and in doing so, she showed me a hand of love, and allowed me to understand that sometimes taking a risk can be a good thing. And in taking that risk, I got to spend the night with two amazing women, who asked me to accompany them, and I hope that I showed them how much I love and appreciate their generosity and kindness, because there is nothing on earth as pleasing as showing other people that you love and care for them.

I find that as I continue to continue through my last year of high school, I am beginning to see the value in loving other people where they are and how they are, because that, in the end, will lead them to where they need to be. And even if they don’t show you love in return, maybe, just maybe, one day they will remember how your one act of kindness, your one smile, changed their life.