Then and Now

This week I am thankful that I survived my first semester of college and I am now able to enjoy Christmas break!  It has been a journey and not always an easy one.  Life threw me for quite a few loops and turns this past semester, but with the Lord’s help I overcame every obstacle. 

I could go on and on about all the things I am thankful for, but what I am thankful for the most is that the Lord made it clear to me that He is active in my life.  Never before have I seen His hand on my life in such a distinct way.  Never before have I felt His presence in every situation that I encountered.  Never before have I been able to so clearly tell that He is working through every moment, but I am thankful to be able to say that I now have.  I have always known that He is there for me, but this is the first time in my life that I can say that I felt Him in the moment without noticing afterwards that He was there.  My heart is overwhelmed with joy.  So very thankful.     

One Slice of the Pizza

As I take a break from studying for finals, I am thankful to know that the end is near.  In three days I will be home for Christmas break and my first semester of college will be over.  The first of eight semesters in my college career is almost over.  I have eaten one slice of the pizza (8 slices in a pizza, 8 semesters in college, get it?)  It has just been a few months, but so much has happened.  I am thankful to have gone through everything I have this semester because each situation and experience has formed and changed me.

I have learned to embrace the things that I like about myself and be proactive in areas that I don’t like so much and can change.  I have learned that God will always place the right people in my life.  He has given me people who I know are forever friends.  People who embrace my silliness.  People who love to laugh with me and sometimes probably at me.  He has given me people that I look up to and aspire to be like.  People who I know are in my corner and will support me when adversity comes my way.  I have learned that I love learning.  In high school I hated anything having to do with learning, but in college I have been able to see the value in digging deeper into life and all it has to offer.     

In one semester I have grown in a million ways.  In one semester I have been blessed with so many new opportunities.  In one semester I have seen God working in my life in more ways than I ever have before.  And for that I am thankful.

Shout out to Ali Swank for helping me get through this semester (mostly finals) with her blog on coping skills!