1st Semester of College

No preparation I think can truly allow one to be ready for all that college encompasses. I think it is beautiful the immense amount of change that comes with going to college. However, I am a firm believer that change is what brings forth growth. This first semester of college has been one marked by great growth for me. I have seen the Lord’s hand working so evidently in my life. Prayers have been answered and I have shared some of the sweetest moments with my Jesus. Specifically though, the Lord has grown me in understanding the depths and riches of His great love. I feel that going into college I was desperate for change and different circumstances. However, when I arrived I came to appreciate my life back home so much more. My mom hugging me every time I walked in the door, being less than an hour away from all my family, the familiarity of the same school I went to for 15 years, the same people I knew my whole life, I missed everything. As I navigated longing for how things were but beginning to learn to love my new life I truly grew. There is something so beautiful and bittersweet about letting go of the old in order to grasp all the new that the Lord has to offer. Another thing I have learned is that we are never meant to stay in the same season forever. Life has changing seasons, and each one is filled with valuable lessons that will grow us into better individuals. I am forever grateful that I got to experience such a great first semester of college. Speaking back on growth, God’s love became evident to me in a way I had never experienced before. For so long, I took everyday for granted. I expected everyday as a promise and did not realize that life is a true gift. While at college I learned just how fast life goes, but also that the Lord is a constant in every season. His love became more apparent. I learned how to rejoice in just being with the Lord and how to be content in the season He placed me in. I remember one moment in particular when I was in Cedartown with one of my best friends and there was the most beautiful sunset. I literally ran as fast as I could down the hill, dancing, singing praises, and just admiring the lover of my soul. I paused for a second to gaze upon the majesty and splendor that filled the sky with such grandeur. It was in that moment that I realized it doesn’t matter if I’m in high school, college, a relationship, a new friendship, home, out of the country, or in any other circumstance because God is still the same, and His love for me is still the same. Jesus is the only thing that matters, He truly is everything. Jesus is enough. In every trial, season, circumstance, He is enough. His love does not change, but rather it is constantly pursuing our hearts. Learning how to fall in love with Jesus has been the absolute best part of 1st semester. Do not be afraid to live every moment to the absolute fullest. Stop and smell the roses. Admire His beauty. Revel in the Father’s love. Love Him with reckless abandonment. Walk in boldness and grace. Remember that you are Christ’s beloved.