one of those moments

Today we decorated the house for Christmas. What could better than getting our home ready for Christmas joy and celebration? Not much, that’s for sure. Currently, I’m sitting in Starbucks with some of the roomies and “working on a paper.” Sitting here, next to the window upstairs, I had one of those awesome moments where I feel like nothing could get better. John Mayer playing on the pod, looking at downtown Athens, which is covered in Christmas lights, and incredible roommates right in front of you. I’m sitting at the edge of an incredible campus which has housed some incredible memories over the past 4 years. This paper that I am working on is important, and will get done, but there is much more to life. I was comforted in knowing that I am extremely fortunate and this paper that I’m stressed about is nothing in relation to the reality of life. I’m only 21- there is so much life ahead of me, but life is already so good right now and it will continue to be good- but bumps in the road are inevitable. I just love those moments- those small moments that seem to take your breath away because they just feel so right. The moments where you’re overwhelmed with comfort knowing that your temporary worries are not that big and life really is awesome and exciting. Know what I mean?!

Senior Year

This semester has been incredible. It has gone by way too fast, but looking back I seem to have learned so much. My 21^st birthday seems like just yesterday, literally. It’s amazing, however, to see my changes between junior and senior year. Moving in with 5 others girls last August was a large adjustment for me… thankfully this year has been much smoother, as I have learned that I am not always right and I have 5 great roommates that are always there for me and always striving to serve me. I can’t pinpoint where I started to change and mature but I think a lot has been happening over the past year. Last fall was a rough semester academically and that unfortunately affected my social life as well. Once I committed to studying abroad, I knew that I would have a few weeks before I left in February. Those 4-5 weeks I was in Athens where some of the most fun I have had in college. It really showed me how much I let my school work dictate my life and mood. Traveling abroad obviously brought maturity in different ways but nothing super specific. Now, months after being back in the states I feel like much wiser and mature. Don't get me wrong, I still have so much to learn and have lots more of maturing to do (Do you ever reach a level of maturity and stop? That's another discussion...) But its just encouraging to see that God is moving in me. He has totally softened my heart and has recently taught me that my life is so temporary and isn't even for me. This life is for Him and I am to serve Him by serving others. This year has been better just because I want to serve my roommates and my family. It's incredible that the Lord has given me this desire to serve other people. Every day I fight against myself because its not easy to constantly serve, but I'm learning how to lean on God to give me that strength. So this semester has taught me a lot. Know that it is coming to an end, I am facing the reality of my future. I am leaving UGA and maybe Athens in about 6 months, with no idea whats ahead of me. I am learning, now, how to take advantage of every minute of each day. I tend to dread about graduating and the season of change that is on its way, but I know that doesn't get much accomplished. Every day is new but God, thankfully, is always the same.

I am thankful for where I am and what I am learning. I am also thankful for the peace that I have now and the maturity that I have grown into over the past year.