Another year

Another year older, another year wiser they say...well I beg to differ last year at this time at least I was getting my picture taken with real people instead of ones made out of stone, or whatever material that is.

In all seriousness it does make me think back over the past year, passing such a milestone as the quarter of a century mark is a big deal. I am in my mid 20's for sure. I am still in school...I know I know there are all kinds of ways people try and make it okay like "You will have a great job soon" or "You are going to have your doctorate at age 25" or "Well, you look like you're just ready to start high school" Let me tell you none of these, especially the last one make it okay. Nope, I've been in school for the past 22 years, I think, can't remember pre-school, but i feel like I was in it for two years?? Mom, any input on this one? That's a long time either way. I guess I'm really good at it though, if nothing else:)

Other than school, I've been around...I've traveled the country, the countries, the continents (minus Australia and Antarctica, but maybe some day). I've been in my fair share of clubs, on teams, in Bible studies. I've led clubs, teams, groups, Bible studies. I've seen a lot, heard a lot, talked a lot, listened a lot, but ya know I feel like I've only had a taste. No matter how much we study, there's more to learn. No matter where we go, there's more to see and experience. No matter how long or how hard I try I will never know the fullness of God. I feel blessed to have been a servant of my King, to have had the opportunities with the above listed things to represent Him. Have I done it well? At times. Have I messed it up? You bet. Have I learned from my mistakes? Yes and no. Am I still asking for His strength and joy and love everyday to make it through another day? I try to.

The other night in Bible study we shared how long we had been Christians...I can pin point the moment the exact place and time when I knew it was His way or the highway. 7th grade. 12 years old. I remember the first time I felt the Holy Spirit wash over me, the most reassuring feeling I've ever felt. I recall asking Jesus into my heart the first time when I was little (don't know how old) yes first b/c i didn't think it worked at first so I prayed again. Reassured he heard me the second time though I felt no different, I guess it was the beginning of greatness..hehe. Well all joking aside you and I both know I wouldn't be who I am without each of those moments. Those monumental points in my life that God used to shape me, to make me decidedly His daughter.

What else is there besides that. God has lead me all along. He has taken me places, brought countless brothers and sisters in Christ along the way...people that come, some that stay, more that go...or do I go? It's a chicken and egg thing I spose.

What's next people ask...lots of people ask "Where do you think you will live when you're done with school?" Don't ask, if I knew I'd tell you! "What kind of PT job will you look for?" Again, I'd fill you in if I knew the answer. I'm going with history on the fact that I have a feeling it will be somewhere other than IN at first. Does that mean Illinois or Australia or anywhere in between? Beats me. Didn't think I'd ever go to grad school till it happened. Didn't give too much thought to college till it was there. Fell into cross-country, pole-vault, St. Louis, Nicaragua, FW, Cali, Africa. Either I'm not a planner, or God is a really good secret keeper. I think He likes to suprise me. I like suprises. As far as I can tell they turn out better than I can imagine or think up. I always end up fairly well prepared by a previous suprise and refining period. will the refining stop? sadly, no. Never said it would be easy, Paul guaranteed it wouldn't be easy. I like Paul, cool guy.

Yeah, so I'm another year older, another year wiser. Another year of learning, another year of praying. Another year of experiencing all that God has planned and gifted unto me.