Legs cramped, sleepy eyes, pounding heart. Stopped car, jaw-dropping castle, no breathe. I had arrived at Hillcrest. The beauty revealed in the architecture of the 100 year-old building captivated me. My eyes were first drawn to the infamous front steps. Steps I had once seen my brother sing “In Christ Alone” alongside his class after they received their diplomas. Steps I would be standing on alongside my class after graduation. I would have never expected these past two years to be the most life-shaping years of my life thus far. But they have been. And words fall short of expressing my gratitude.
I remember walking into my first book of Mark class with utter amazement at the words shared by my teacher, Mr. Preston. Uncomfortable in a new environment, with strange faces, I felt a sense of security. I saw the confidence and security my teacher had in Christ as he spoke, and I wanted that. He passionately pursued Christ while boldly sharing with each class what He has taught him. No longer was I consumed with nervous feelings or negative thoughts. The Lord spoke to me. He gave me a sense of peace. I was where God wanted me to be.
I remember sitting on an air mattress with all of my closest friends, attempting to keep my balance due to all the squirming. Circumstances pulled us apart during the summer, but the Lord gifted us with one last chance to all be together on that brisk, October Sunday. As our faith brought us together, in faith we said our last goodbye on this earth to our dearest friend Hayley Filippini. Christ alone; Cornerstone. He is Lord, Lord of all. Beautiful, heart-wrenching lyrics were sung at the tops of our lungs. The Lord is good, despite any circumstances, we thought to ourselves. Amidst hardships, when no hope is evident and tears are all we have, we remember that blessed song. We remember our hope is built in nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. In times when I could have second-guessed if Hillcrest was truly where God wanted me to be, there was no doubt in my mind.
I remember the exhaustion. I remember the frustration. But I can’t seem to remember how many water bottles I filled up throughout the basketball season. Late nights led to even more exhaustion as studying became a midnight deal. What am I gaining from serving the basketball girls? I often thought to myself. Nothing. Yet, as I sought the Lord in my sleepless nights, He revealed something completely incredible to me. This life is not about me. This life is all about Christ. Loving as He loved. Forgiving as He forgave. Serving as He served. Reminiscing on that season, I have two options. I can focus on the frustration and exhaustion. Or I can focus on the relationships that were blossomed and what the Lord taught me through my weakness. God led me to be a basketball manager, and I would not take it back for anything.
Teary eyes. Last goodbyes. Lots of sighs. I am about to leave Hillcrest. As I ponder the past two years, I will remember the teachers who encouraged me to live a life of eternal significance. I will remember the close friendships that encouraged me to dig deeper into my relationship with God. I will remember the mentors who emphasized being intentional with sharing my faith. I will remember Hayley. I will remember many things, but most importantly, I will remember the countless lessons the Lord has taught me. I will remember the pruning and equipping I have experienced at Hillcrest and I am going to go. I am going with the Lord by my side, filled with His Spirit, wearing His armor. I am going to boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ unto all the nations. And. I. Am. Pumped. 🙂
