Well, the day's come and here I am. All moved into my cozy little dorm room. So many minutes I've wasted dreaming for this day to finally come, and now that it's here I can't seem to fathom where all the time has gone. It was
only yesterday that I cried and worried myself sick in kindergarten,
struggling to adjust to a new schedule away from the norm at home. Can it really be eleven years since I was seven years old and playing "going to college" at home with my little hard-covered non-fiction book? I thought I was so cool.
Now here I am, barely feeling old enough to have graduated high school.It's so strange to be all settled in somewhere other than the comfort of the home I grew up in. It's gonna be an adjustment, that's for sure.
But change can be good, no matter how tough it is at first.
This long, exhausting, emotional day proved that I wouldn't be anywhere without my God. It was a good reminder that I can't get anywhere on my own. Words
can't describe the peace that comes with leaning into God's supernatural
strength that I could in no way possess on my own. If it weren't for Him, I literally wouldn't have made it through this day. It's indescribable how reassuring He is, gently reminding me that He's in control, holding my hand each step of the journey, never leaving me all alone.
I have been blessed with the absolute most wonderful people in my life. As much as goodbyes suck, I am so beyond thankful to have the most caring, encouraging, absolutely loving people by my side, even if we'll have to love each other from a distance for awhile. The cool thing is, that if God is kept at our focal point, distance doesn't really matter. He works out all the details, He is good and loving and faithful. I couldn't have asked for better parents, and I'm so thankful for the love and support that both my parents and Noah have relentlessly shown in helping me move, as well as all the encouragement and prayers I've received. Family is a great thing, that sadly, we too often take for granted.
I am so
thankful to be at a school whose focus is strengthening our spiritual
relationships and qualities and furthering His Kingdom. That in itself
is a huge blessing. Tonight as we attended the opening ceremonies, we opened with the familiar song "It is Well." I was overwhelmed with reassurance and peace, thinking about how true the lyrics are. Despite the newness, unknowns, and adjustments, the song couldn't have been more fitting; that's the song that highlighted my week last spring when the pieces came together and God led me to choosing to come here in the first place, when I finally started to feel at peace and understanding the plans He has for me at this time.
Prayer is powerful, and I'm so thankful or the many prayers that have been lifted on my behalf. I'm thankful for leaps of faith, and the courage to do so, even when it seems overwhelming. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me over the next weeks and months. I have no doubt it will be good. I'm ready to tackle the adventure.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
