Counting Stars

Do you know what I really don’t like? I absolutely hate it when I’m in the middle of an argument and the other person makes a really good point that I don’t have a comeback to. I detest it even more when it cuts to my core and makes me realize how wrong I was.

Words can’t even describe how much this bugs me.         

This happened a little while ago when I was in an argument with my parents and I was going off about how they never tell me that I’m doing good and making improvements. How they never compliment me. How it’s always “Jyllenna, you do this wrong; Jyllenna, you do this wrong…blah blah blah.”

Then my dad interrupted me and asked me how often I complimented him. How often do I tell him that he’s doing a good job? How often do I tell him how much he’s improved?

And that successfully shut me up. I don’t think that was his intention, but I literally couldn’t say anything to rebuttal. So I walked out.

As much as I don’t like being out-argued, I do know how to listen and maybe try to change some of the things that were brought up in an argument.

Complimenting people really takes no work at all, but I don’t really dish out compliments that often. I really don’t know why. I show my appreciation in different ways, but I know that everyone loves to actually hear about how much they are appreciated.

I also know that getting my eyes off of me and focusing on someone else is an awesome way to get myself out of a depressive slump. It’s something I’m trying to do more often. I’m finding ways to do it in my everyday life, but I figured that here on a blog is a pretty good place to do it. This is also a great reminder that no matter how alone I may feel, there’s always going to be someone there for me.

So here we go, and hopefully you’ll think of some of the amazing people in your life as you read about the people in mine.

First I want to say a big thank you to the people who brought me into this world. Mom and Dad, I know I’m not always the easiest person to live with. I know you’re learning right along with me. You guys are doing an awesome job, and you’re an inspiration to me.

Mom, we've had our clashes, but I know that’s because you and I are so similar! I learned from the best. I know I can always count on you to be there to hear me out, to support me when PMS hits really bad, and to be a way of escape when Dad and Bronson decide it’s “bug Jyllenna” time. You’re an awesome mom, and I hope you know that.

Dad, you are the stable force in my life. I love the deep, intellectual conversations we can have. Every time we talk, I learn something. And hey, you inspired this post, so clearly you’re doing pretty awesome. Thank you so much for trying to understand the way my female teenage brain works. I see the effort that you’re putting in, and it means so much to me.

Bronson, my little brother, you might be eight inches taller than me, but you will always be my baby brother. You provide so much light in my life, and honestly, I want to be like you. I love how you can just roll with things and how you choose to see the good in everyone. You’re growing up so fast, and I’m proud of how mature you’re becoming. Don’t let the scary world of teen-hood dim your light, buddy!

To my pastor and his wife, you guys have helped out our family as we sorted out a crazy move into brand new territory. I know you guys will always be there for me. Your sermons always speak to me, but even more, I see how you follow God and how you love God with all your heart. Your counsel has enabled me to grow and continue in my path God has for my life.

To all my youth and young adult friends at church, you guys are amazing! I love hanging out with you guys, and I always know you guys are going to welcome me. You are an incredible lifeline for me, and I always have a genuine smile on my face when I’m with you. That smile usually lasts for a while afterward too. Thanks so much for taking time to come out to our house to just hang out, and even try to teach me to play video games. Or applaud me when I get fifth place in Mario Kart, because we all know that that’s an accomplishment for me. Thanks for the times you’re willing to rearrange your schedule in order to go have coffee or come out to cheer competitions and volleyball games. Thanks for including me in your plans, even though I’m the newbie there. When I’m in a spiritual dry spell, I know I can count on all of you to help me get through it. I've learned something awesome from every one of you.

To my friends and former leaders and teachers in the city I moved from—I miss you so much, and I thank God daily for Skype, Snapchat, texting, and Facebook messaging. I feel that the distance hasn't been poison for our friendship. Rather, it’s helped it grow. I've honestly never felt closer to you guys. You were a source of encouragement before I moved, and even more so now. I've known some of you for literally my whole life, and I've seen the ways you've grown and matured. You guys are such an inspiration to me, and I treasure every minute we do get to spend together.

To all my friends and teacher in my new high school, thank you so much for making my transition into a new school easier! You guys are awesome and make waking up early to go to school totally worth it. Every one of you brings something unique to my life, and I hope that we still stay in touch after high school!

Finally, to all the people who read my blog, thank you! Your supportive comments and emails really make my day. I’m learning as I go, and I’m so glad to have such awesome readers to take the journey with me!

So that was me counting the stars in my life (seriously, I love that song and I had to use it in a title). Do you have any stars in your life that maybe need a compliment today?