Habits in High SchoolSample

Written by Ella, age 16, from Georgetown, Texas, USA

What is the longest time you have ever gone without food or water? Do you remember the discomfort or even pain you experienced? I can certainly name a few times in my life when my body was not happy with me, but then eventually I would eat again and feel better. That’s what Jesus is trying to explain here. While we’re close with Him and seek Him whenever possible, our spirits are full to the top. But when we break away from Him, don’t spend time with Him, or don’t seek Him, and our branch or our connection with Him comes apart, we start to stumble and stop. It’s like when a leaf falls from a tree or a flower’s stem is snapped. It can survive for a time, but because it’s main source of nutrition is gone, it cannot live forever.

Jesus is our spiritual nourishment and if we stay with Him, we can do amazing things and are connected to the source of joy, love, and hope. But when we break off to do our own thing, to follow our desires, we end up walking in circles that do us no good and often lead to painful consequences. If our connection with Jesus is strong, there is no end to the wonderful opportunities He has in store for us.