Wow, it feels like this summer has flown by, and yet… and yet I can’t wait for move-in day and classes to start! I know that college will be different and exciting, fun and challenging, and new and stimulating. I know that college will mean growth and I want it to mean maturity and depth in Christ. I have so many expectations for myself in college, and yet I don’t want to hinder what mysterious, exciting things God has in store for me by having too many expectations. My prayer is that I would be open, above all, to what He wants of me, for me, and from me.
As I write lists, shop, and gather everything that I’ll be taking with me physically and mentally, I prepare myself for the things I will be leaving behind physically and relationally. I am a little nervous for what this particular step holds, for this means leaving friends and family behind and stepping out into a place in which I have never previously been. It’s not that I am afraid to make new friends — in fact, quite the opposite — I can’t wait to make some amazing friends, probably some that I’ll keep for the rest of my life!! I am simply beginning to recognize the depth of what I will be leaving here, in distance, though not in spirit.
I am leaving Schaeffer Academy. It isn’t just a school. It’s a beautiful group of people that upholds one another, prays for one another, lives together, shares with one another, teaches one another, and learns from each other. I grew SO much at SA, and not just because I attended Kindergarten through 12th grade there. I learned things from my teachers, in class and through example, that I never expected to learn in a school setting. I made friendships with teachers, peers, younger students, and other adults that I thank God for and I pray that can be sustained even despite the distance.
I am leaving Honors Choirs of SE MN. They have been my choir family for 9 years now; I am so blessed to have been a part of such a dynamic, lively, musical group of people. I learned so much about music and life from the Nelsons, Mr. Strommen-Campbell, Mr. Culloton, and Mr. Johnson. In Honors Choirs I discovered how much I thrive on the life You have given through music, God, and how I might fit into Your creation through music.
I am leaving Autumn Ridge Church, at least for now. Specifically in the youth ministries, we experienced very much change in my time there as a Middle and High Schooler. I began building a strong foundation through Josh Mulvihill’s leadership, grew in His love and grace through Reggie’s guidance, and have been challenged to live out my foundation and growth through Billy and the interns, Brandon, Cameron, and Alli since they’ve been here. Not only did the leadership change in this area, but also in our youth worship ministry. Diane Ackerman stepped down from her many years of guidance and support and Karl Bristol stepped in. Then Karl’s family suddenly grew! And we have now had two of the interns working alongside us. Through these many changes, though, God has taught me so much about perseverance, patience, and grace. Patience isn’t just tolerance, but long-suffering with someone as they grow, struggle, and work through whatever it may be. Patience means loving them through Christ no matter how they treat me or how many times they sin against me. ARC youth have given me a glimpse of what it means to stick together as a body even through struggle and change.
I am leaving Crossroads, my first experience with the music community outside of school and HC. I made some great friends here whose company I will miss dearly. I encountered true Christian community at Crossroads and I will not forget what I learned about integrity, honesty, openness, and friendship.
Jesus dealt with change, too, and He knows how hard it can be. He knew how hard it was to leave those He loved. He knew what it was to start over. He had to leave His Father, in a sense, to come be with us, born as a baby. He had to leave His disciples when He returned to be with His Father. He had to leave Mary and His brothers. He had to leave all others to die alone. BUT He triumphed over death so that we might never be alone. This is my comfort as I leave home to encounter and experience all that God has in store for me. Not only do I know that He has a great plan for me, but I also have the assurance that I will NEVER be alone. He is ALWAYS with me. Always. Now isn’t something to thank Him for and a reason to worship Him!? Jesus, I’m ready!! I’m ready for August 24, 2012!!! 🙂