I am graduating. 

On so many levels I cannot believe this statement. Thats why it has its own line- so I can let it sink it. 

I am graduating college.

I had to write it again.

I was discussing what college was for me with a new dear friend the other day. I started by talking about when I started college and the difficult transition that was- all the changes that went on that year within my family and my own heart were such a challenge. It was one of the most difficult years of my life. Looking back, I don’t believe I’ve cried more tears than I did that year or struggled so much through one season of life- yet. Just talking about it again with my friend made me cry. Gosh, I did not like college. I was so bitter, cynical and unhappy. But I also developed some precious friendships that year that I’m sure I’ll have for the rest of my life.

When I look back, I see how I’ve grown from that first year. How I began to learn more about myself and being away from everything I was so used to. I learned how to better deal with the challenges life threw my way. I learned so much about brokenness and serving God. I fought to clarify what I believed and how that shapes me and my life. I’ve learned about the sacrifice and intentional daily decision it takes to truly live for Christ. I’ve learned about trusting Christ through various seasons of life- haven’t mastered it, but have learned a tiny bit more about it. In the past four years my eyes have been opened to the beauty of family- especially mine. The rare gems I have in my parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  The overwhelming grace and mercy Christ has freely given me is unbelievable. Through the struggles I’ve faced, He has opened my eyes to how he has always been working in me and protecting me. In college, he has allowed me to see him in ways I have never seen him before. He has stretched me and challenged me; taken me all across the states and allowed me to  to see Him at work in various places. I have made some unexpected friendships- that make me chuckle to think of, but couldn’t image life without them. Christ has developed passions and shaped me, leading me toward where I believe he wants me.   I am excited to see how he uses the different experiences I’ve had in college. Its such a wild puzzle he somehow pieces together. 

I cannot believe this season of life is coming to an end for me. I have grown more than I have ever imagined and am somewhat sad to see this chapter end. I am grateful though for how Christ worked in me the past four years. I know I will probably never have another season quite like college but am expectant of what he will teach me in the new season I am entering.

Graduation- here I come!