I can
hardly believe that the summer is almost over. I survived the summer in Waco
This summer actually turned out to be
the best summer I could have had...aside from maybe a tour across Europe or a Caribbean cruise, of course. Haha. But seriously, God
knew exactly what I needed this summer, even if I didn't. He gave me exactly
what I needed this summer, even if it was not what I originally had wanted.
This was
definitely not the summer I would have personally planned for myself. And yet,
it is the summer that I would not trade for anything else. Don't get me wrong,
nothing completely spectacular has happened, and there are no major changes to
report. But God has been sweetly whispering to me His promises of love, peace,
grace, hope, and joy. I still don't know what my plans are for this year or
after graduation. And it is still hard to face, especially when more people now
more than ever are asking the infamous questions: "What year are you? Oh,
you're a senior! So what are your plans for after graduation? Do you have a job
lined up yet?" If people only knew what a loaded question that was. If
they only knew how much pain, tears, stretching, disciplining, seeking, praying
went into that question. But God has provided the grace to face it, and He will
continue to provide that same grace over the next 10 months. I am still single.
Big shocker there. I am now wondering if I can set the
record for oldest person to have never dated anybody. Haha. But on a cheezy
Christian (but totally appropriate and applicable) note, God has been
romancing me all summer and I think I am completely in love...
I have
received tiny blessings from God all summer. And the growth part has
been me learning how to recognize them. Because in the craziness of
my last three years of college, I had somehow forgotten how to. And yet they
have abounded- sweet kisses from my Savior. From meeting, ministering to,
and being ministered to by residents, to the excitement of engagements, to
becoming a bridesmaid...God has been faithful. From driving to MCC
everyday, to living in North
Village Shannon 's
car, to reading a book for fun...God has been faithful. From the the
challenges of immature residents, to the frustration of financial aid, to
listening to cheezy elevator music that the electricity company plays while I
am on hold for an hour...God has been faithful. From feeling completely alone,
to wishing I could just have 5 minutes to myself...God has been faithful. From
shredding papers in the dean's office, to answering strange questions from
freshmen parents...God has been faithful. From awkward freshmen boys to singing
Shakira in Spanish class...God has been faithful. From 105 degree days (and 95
degree nights), to the beautiful sunshine, to going to the drive-in movie in
Gatesville and being able to see the stars...God has been faithful!
I am glad
to say that I am not the same person I was at the beginning of this summer. I
haven't undergone any major personality changes- don't worry. I am still as
unique and quirky as ever. But God has done construction work on
my heart. A little humbling here, a little stretching there, a lot of repairing
everywhere. Oh, I still have a long
way to go- I wish I were completely fixed, but that will take a lifetime...but
I have taken a few steps closer to the heart of my Savior, and it took me being
in Waco by myself to do it. And for that I am extremely grateful.
Currently Listening: Breath of God, by Shane Bernard (Rocks Won't Cry)
