Teen 2 Teen

Prayer Releases Pressure

by Thomas Hardy

On an old episode of Boston Public -- which used to be one of my favorite shows -- the story was about students having nervous breakdowns. I was reminded of this show recently as I was thinking about my school, my life, and the amount of pressure that I feel every day.

It's easy to look at a television show like Boston Public and think, "it's just a drama... fiction." Which is true, of course -- but the events portrayed are actually pretty close to reality. They are the kinds of things that a high school student deals with every day.

by Thomas Hardy

On an old episode of Boston Public -- which used to be one of my favorite shows -- the story was about students having nervous breakdowns. I was reminded of this show recently as I was thinking about my school, my life, and the amount of pressure that I feel every day.

It's easy to look at a television show like Boston Public and think, "it's just a drama... fiction." Which is true, of course -- but the events portrayed are actually pretty close to reality. They are the kinds of things that a high school student deals with every day.

Pressure Points

There is a great deal of pressure on high school students today. One of the biggest sources of stress is the struggle to get good grades. Parents, teachers and even peers make it very clear to us that getting good grades is one of the most important things we can do. A strong GPA is the biggest step towards being accepted at a good University... which is the first step toward a successful career.

Sports and other extra-curricular activities are also more important than ever. Even those of us who focus on academics are strongly encouraged to do something more. If everyone is getting good grades, it could be our after-school activities that make the difference and make us stand out from the crowd.

For me, relationships are also a major cause of pressure and stress. Everything from dealing with family to relating with friends can be frustrating and sometimes overwhelming. (I won't even get into that whole 'dating' thing!) Just trying to balance all of my activities is hard enough. Now throw in the fact that I need to deal with all sorts of people issues, and I've got a nightmare on my hands.

Release Valves

But just as relationships can be a cause of stress, they can also help relieve it. If I choose my friends wisely, I will have a tremendous group of people to support me as I struggle. I have to support them in return, which makes me stronger and strengthens the friendship.

Though I can't choose my family, I can certainly choose how I treat them. When I treat my parents, brother and sisters with respect and love -- as Jesus taught us -- I reduce the level of stress at home. I know things won't ever be perfect, but I don't waste my time worrying over silly arguments that should never have occurred. And I will always have loving, caring people waiting for me if the world outside seems too much to handle.

No matter what happens in my relationships with family and friends, there is one person whom I can always count on -- Jesus Christ. God's only son sacrificed his life so that I can some day join him in heaven. I can't imagine anyone being able to top that!

When I am feeling overwhelmed, and don't know where to go or who to turn to, I bring my troubles to God. I find a quiet place, close my eyes, and pray to my Father and His son. And though the answers I am looking for don't usually come right away, I know that God hears. When I am done praying, I always feel as if the burden has been at least lightened, and I know that I'll make it through.

Our lives may not be as dramatic as a television show, but they'll definitely be better written if we let God handle the script!