This is the year I fell in love.
I fell in love with a campus I thought I’d never find my place in. I fell in love with a town that I used to think was the ugliest place in the world. I fell in love with the beautiful people who loved me well and became my friends. I fell in love with myself as a woman of God. But I especially fell deeply in love with a Creator who brought me out of despair and pain and reminded me of His steadfast love.
To say I’m blessed is an understatement, but I’ll say it anyways because that’s the only word I have for it. Disappointment has struck and problems have arisen. I know that being in relationship with Christ doesn’t make things easier. But it sure as heck makes things better.
This is the year I fell in love.
(Mom, if you’re reading this, don’t worry. I’m not in love with any boys yet.)
As I pack up my room (which is what I am taking a break from while writing this…) I think back on this year. I really was blessed by God in everything that happened. I praise him for the people I was introduced to by chance. I thank him for the leadership positions I didn’t get. I am encouraged by Paul’s words when he wrote to the church in Thessalonica. He finished his first letter by reminding the Thessalonians how to be.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I continue to praise God for the works he has done in me this year. His plan, even though I still don’t understand every piece, is preparing me for his kingdom. And I know I mentioned it before, but I am just so in Love.
This summer, I pray I will continue to fall more and more in Love with Jesus everyday. I pray I continue to seek it out. I can’t wait to pursue fellowship and growth with my friend as we tackle a bible study together back home. I can’t wait to teach at Sunday School with my little nuggets. I can’t wait to travel to Europe to study abroad for a few weeks. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me and for you. I can’t wait to sip coffee on my back porch and admire the view.
Freshman year was so much fun and so challenging all at once. And as it comes to an end, I want to send you off with a ‘summer verse.’ A friend told me it was his goal for the summer, and it’s something I also wish for everyone:
“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.” -Acts 9:31
I hope your summer is restful, and that you are strengthened and rejuvenated by the Holy Spirit. I hope you allow the Lord to work in your heart and actively pursue Him as you passively enjoy other aspects of summer.