This post may be a short one, but still a little something!
Recently when thinking of what I could/should blog about, I got the idea to write a letter to ‘five months ago’ Ashley. In the end, it turned out being more of a letter from God. The following letter is some words of advice & encouragement that I honestly do feel like the Lord has been sharing with me lately. Enjoy!
Dear Ashley,
Buckle in.
You’re halfway, right? You’ve been going at this for 4 1/2 months already. You’ve given up the comforts of home. Your warm bed, favorite foods, friends and family, freshman year at college, and more (though really not as much as you think, come on girl).
You’ve been tested. You’ve grown in immeasurable ways. You’ve thrived and flourished, and you’ve been hanging onto your rope by the thinnest, last possible thread ever. I’ve given you tests of obedience and tests of patience. I’ve tugged at your heart in multiple ways, leading you into something radical for me, scary for you, or almost always both. I’ve watched you as you learned to stand up on your own. Slowly, gradually, but still standing nonetheless. I’ve walked you through the shadows (many, MANY times before), and taught you how to live in fellowship and community with others as I guide them through similar valleys too.
This is halfway. You can check in, or check out, but it’s always your choice. There is a time for everything, and now is your time to choose JOY! I’ve given you your answers. I’ve given you the confirmation. I’ve equipped you with everything you need: nothing more, nothing less.
There is so much more left in store for you, daughter. So many more tests. So much more growth. So many shadows and valleys that I’ll continue to walk through alongside you, and always invite you to partner with me through the dark.
There is also, so much opportunity. You’ve learned a lot of the tools (though there’s always more to learn) that will help you work through your coming seasons and the things I have in store for you.
Continue. Continue doing ministry, even on the days you don’t want to. Continue pouring into people as much as possible (I promise you can do it, my precious introvert). Continue moving forward and leaning into me as you do. Continue seeking my truth and book daily. Continue looking for me in every day, at every moment (you’ll find me in a lot more places and people than you think). Continue being my light, even when (and especially when) the darkness tries to put it out.
There is so much more to come, so buckle in buttercup. My plans are on their way.
Hope this letter was uplifting & encouraging to whatever season you find yourself in right now! Keep pressing into Him.
Lots of Love,
~Ashley
