Change is a bittersweet thing. And in my current stage of life, it is coming rapidly and abundantly. And all of these changes are good! In fact, they're great! They're EXCITING! But nonetheless, they are bittersweet.
It is remarkable how many of my closest friends are graduating and/or getting married and/or moving away. Almost ALL of them fit into at least one of these categories! When the heck did everyone decide to grow up without me!? But I won't be left behind for too long because I just applied for graduation and will be done with my undergraduate career in just over 8 months! I am also moving in less than a month, and I got a new job working with at-risk elementary school kids in Wyoming!
My head is spinning just from typing that. Don't get me wrong...I really am pumped for all of these things. Even though my selfishness wants to keep my best friends right by my side forever, I have to embrace the fact that God has a different plan for all of us. I am fully confident that God is going to use my friends to show this world what's up, and I can't wait to share in that with them. And for those going out to all the ends of the earth, Facebook will keep us together forever :) As far as moving, my budget will be kicking into high gear so I can afford rent and utilities, but I am pretty excited to be an adult again. And as much as I am ready to move on from the Johnson Center, I'm leaving behind two years of friends and comfort. I am beyond excited to be starting a job that I almost couldn't design to be more perfect, but it will be a disorienting transition nonetheless.
Looking back on some of my blogs from last summer, I know that change is a difficult, awesome, terrifying, and important thing. I picked up my life to head to Australia for two months last June with no idea of what God had in store for me. I was excited...and scared. And it ended up being one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Then two months later, I had to leave it all behind and come back to the harsh realities of college (no sleep, questionable eating patterns, constant stress, no rest, moving back in with my parents, etc.). I was happy...and mad. I thought I knew what I was getting myself back into, but this year has proved to be far more amazing than I could have planned for.
Now, I find myself somewhere in the middle. I know what's next, but I don't have any idea what it will be like. I am sad to move on...but even more excited. Change is something that I love (I get bored easily). But it's always bittersweet. Fortunately, I know from experience that what comes next is always better than what I expect. God has a way of pleasantly surprising my plans, and the surprises always turn out to be the things I value most.
So, here's to the next season of my life. Bring it on, God!
-Ray
"All of my life, in every season, you are still God. I have a reason to sing. I have a reason to worship!" - Desert Song
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