One Month

"You're only a freshman, college is a long way off"
"Haha, slow down, you're just a sophomore"
"Started thinking about colleges yet?"
"So where are you going next year?"

In theory, I was supposed to hear these things in sequence. It should have been progressive. Instead as I reflect over the past four years, they all meld together. Didn't someone just tell me I don't have to worry about college yet? Well, all the sudden those 31 days are seeming awfully short. But I suppose I'm not truly worried about leaving. I'm optimistic, hopeful and confident that God is going to use me and my college years. That's just the kind of God we serve, one who uses fear and worry to bring himself praise and glory. What I find myself pondering tonight is how I leave Sheboygan, Wisconsin is something like 750 hours. All of the sudden that month feels very, very important. I want to spend every minute of it holding on as tight as I can. Soaking in everything I love about home. Being with everyone who makes me feel comfortable, everyone who I love and loves me. I want to make this home Home. I want to grit my teeth, to say no, to do nothing but look at the past and romanticize. But that's not what I'm here to do. Because, while I do celebrate the past, while I do thank Sheboygan for being home, I am also prepared to let go. To say: "alright God, take me somewhere new." Because while I leave everything that I have ever known, I cannot find myself in anywhere but the domain of my Savior. He knows where my path leads. So instead of holding on to everything I know for dear life, my goal over the next 750 hours is to say two words. Thank you. Thank you to my friends, who have given me memories and stories to last a lifetime. I can't always be there with you all, but know that I love you so deeply, and 900 miles isn't too far. Thank you to my family, for being the best family I could have ever dreamed of. In an unexpected twist, all 6 of my family members were able to be here over the summer. The time I spend with you all is the time when I am most at peace. I especially want to thank my parents, who have been the most supportive, helpful and encouraging parts of my life. They daily point me toward Christ, not only with words, but with actions. Their example of Christ-focused lives, biblical parenting, and humor that could only come from them has obviously changed my life, but more importantly, enhanced my life. Finally, thank God. Thank him that I have been given such an amazing head start in life. That I have been blessed to grow up 100 feet from Lake Michigan. That he has called me, by name, to himself, and that he has shown me where he has gifted me. Through all of my life, the next month included, may I never forget the full extent of His Grace.