As I complete my final semester of college and earn my degree, I am reminded of how crazy busy yet important these last 5 years of life have been. For me, 5 years has looked a little like this: acceptance letter to THE Ohio State University, high school graduation, eagerness to start the next season of life (#college), moving away from home, mingling in new territory, finding a new home church, new friendships, fear of failure, very challenging coursework, a few all-nighters, confusion with where God wants me, moving off-campus a few times, conflict resolution with friends (plenty of this), many mental breakdowns, part-time and full-time work, a lot of dedication, a much deserved diploma, and a huge sense of accomplishment!
But more importantly, these past 5 years proved to be where God has grown me the most. I was in a place outside the comfort of my parents’ home where I found myself at a crossroad. I could enjoy the “party life” most college students experience or I could begin challenging my beliefs with other followers of Christ and dig into what God wants to do with my life.
Well, the party life didn’t sound too thrilling and in all honesty, getting blackout drunk to the point of not remembering your night freaks me out! So, I guess I’ll try the other road 
I’ve learned a lot about myself throughout college and even more about who God has made me. I learned how to hear the Lord and more importantly, how to follow Him (not out of fear, but in faith…still working on this). I learned the distinction between my own thoughts and that one’s planted by God. I learned when to say no to things that were burning holes in my life and when to say yes to things that scare me. I learned how to prioritize my walk with the Lord, although to be honest this is an area Satan loves to play with in the recent months. I’ve learned what true, loving, supportive, vulnerable, encouraging, God-centered friendships look like. I’ve learned that life is hard and it takes daily reminders to point me back to Christ.
5 years, 260 weeks, 1,825 days, 43,800 hours, 2,628,000 minutes.
However you want to look at it, realize that in just ONE SECOND, a person can be brought from spiritual death to life. Their walk with the Lord begins and flourishes in an instant! One choice, one yes, one moment of full surrender and recognition of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for your sins. This second can change the course of your life forever and who knows, you could find yourself traveling the world on mission for 11 months with complete strangers, excited to share this Good News with the unreached!
My story will continue to look 100% different than everyone else’s. 5 years for you may involve a child’s birth, a new home, a new pet, going back to school, your child’s high school graduation, a baptism, a marriage, you name it. 5 years is a lot of time and a lot can happen in and around your life. I urge you to take a second (that’s right, just ONE second) and pause. Pause from the busyness this life brings and connect with our Father. Who knows what that one second will do?
Love you guys,
~A
