As most of you know, or know now, I started school at Boyce College this past August. And one thing people have asked me is what I've learned through my experience. And, oddly, it's something that I have to think about. It's not an answer that is readily at the tip of my tongue. But truly, this experience has taught me so much. This was the first time I've ever moved away from home, and even though it's only two and a half hours away, I'm completely apart from the only life I've ever known. And that is HARD. There were (and still are) many nights where I just want to sit in my kitchen at home and talk to my mom about anything and everything and have her tell me exactly what to do, whether or not I actually follow her advice. Sometimes I just want to drive along familiar roads at night, listening to music and singing as loudly and obnoxiously as I want. Sometimes I just want to go out with the friends I'm so close with and laugh about memories and stupid things we've done together. Sometimes I just want to go to the church I grew up in, where I know everyone, and everyone is literally like family. It's nostalgic typing this, even as I'm home on break, sitting in the local coffee shop, making plans with old friends, and preparing to go to my home church for Bible study.
But, what I've realized is that this is a new chapter in my life. The old chapter isn't gone, just past. The new chapter might be scary at times, but it's an adventure. And there are new characters in this chapter that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. They challenge me, and they encourage me, and I know they'll be there for me when I'm struggling. And I already have memories with these people, and I know that more memories will be made.
So, the main thing that I've learned in this new chapter, is to welcome new adventures, and not cling so tightly to the past where I'm comfortable. God led me to this school, and He brought these new people in my life, and He's leading me to a church that will encourage me just as much as my last (though Two Rivers can never be replaced), and I have learned to trust Him. I like to be in control, and that's become increasingly evident in the past few years of my life, and even more evident now. But I am not the qualified pilot. Christ is, and He will ensure that I land where I'm supposed to. And, really, He is the only One who knows that destination. That kind of surrendering trust is hard, but I know for a fact I can't trust in my own strength or wisdom.
The Lord has blessed me tremendously, and I can't wait to see where He leads me in the coming years.
