I graduate from college in two days.
You have no idea how much that reality excites me, terrifies me, and still doesn’t feel real.
& I get to graduate from one of the greatest schools and one of my favorite places in the world – Clemson University.
Yes, Clemson is full of beauty and has so many fun activities and traditions to be a part of, but Clemson wouldn’t hold the magic it does if it weren’t for the people. The people are what make Clemson so beautiful and so special. If not for the people who I have met in my four years here, Clemson wouldn’t radiate the charm that draws so many in. It is a blessing I was even able to attend Clemson, and I have continually been shown that this is where the Lord wanted me to be. I am thankful for all I’ve learned, how I’ve grown, how I’ve been challenged, and how I’ve been shaped and changed into who I am today because of Jesus and because of the people He put in my life at Clemson. I will forever carry Clemson with me.
But this isn’t supposed to be a sappy post about Clemson and graduating and all that emotional stuff that comes with it (that isn’t really what I’m about anyways). Don’t get me wrong – it is going to be extremely hard to leave the people who have transformed my life here and to adjust to everything changing, but lately the Lord has brought about a sense of contentment and anticipation within me about what is to come that has given me peace as these days are quickly changing.
You see, my time at Clemson has been good – really good. But it has also been enough. I am content with the time I’ve had here. And as much as I would love to, I don’t think I could stay in Clemson any longer, because I feel like I’m in a place where the Lord is telling me that it’s time. That Clemson has been wonderful and a crucial part of my growth, but that there is more out there. More that He needs me to do. More to learn. More people to change my life. And more people to share the Kingdom with. And that more just can’t come from Clemson. That’s where the anticipation comes in. I can’t settle. I can’t be satisfied with living comfortably in this place that I love. I’m ready for what’s next. The Lord has used my time at Clemson in a really beautiful way to prepare me for what’s ahead, and I know He will continue to do so with everything I am a part of going forward. He has brought so many incredible people into my life to be a part of my journey who I know I can count on to be there for the rest of my life. But we were not meant to stay in the bubble of Clemson/college forever, and I am thankful for that. It’d be too easy. And I’m always up for a good challenge.
It’s been said that college is the best four years of your life, and as of now I can say very confidently that yes, these have been the best four years of my life…so far. But this can’t be it. Because doesn’t that just mean that it is all going to be downhill after college?? When the rest of your life is ahead of you? Man, I sure hope not. I want my next four years to be even better than the ones at Clemson. And the four years after that to exceed those, and on and on. There is so much more out there – so much the Lord wants to show me and teach me and use me. So why limit myself when there is a whole world out there, and when the Lord is nudging me to go?
There is a reason the Lord wants me to go on The World Race, He knew I’d be at this point of eagerness, ready to go. He knew that my time at Clemson would be used to prepare me for such a thing as this. And He knew that I would be longing to go deeper. It is so humbling to be able to catch a glimpse at what He is doing. I still need a lot more preparation before I leave on The World Race – but I am confident in all that God is doing and how He is going to continue to cultivate my heart in the months and years to come.
It is gonna suck leaving some of my favorite people in the world at this place that I’ve loved calling home for the past four years. But gosh I’m excited for the next part of the journey, for each new day for the Lord to move and for all it holds.
Thank you, Clemson. I’ll always be grateful. Until I see you again..
