A couple of nights ago, as I was digging through my closet searching for my travel adapter to pack, I fell into the dark abyss that was boxes of memories past. I poured over everything from baby blankets, old yearbooks, theater ticket stubs and showbills, post cards, raggedy stuffed animals, and more. As the night dragged into the early hours of the next day, I came across my “journals.” (The quotations exist because confidently calling them journals would be a bit of a stretch considering they collectively have about 5 entries.)
Each journal was started near the beginning of a trip I was taking abroad.
Reading through the first one, written as a junior in high school, I was curious, critical, and inspired. I wrote from my head.
Reading through the second one, written as a college graduate, I was introspective, reflective, and embracing. I wrote from my heart.
As I read the first entry of journal #2, I was shocked how the feeling I had 2 years ago near perfectly mirrored how I feel now.
July 31st, 2016
Dear God,
As my 22nd birthday comes to a successful close, I want to thank you for all of the blessings you have given me. I thank you for the friends and family you have placed in my life, for the job you have provided me, and for the opportunity I have bee given to travel abroad and to see all the world has to offer. I graciously anticipate all of the people I will cross paths with, for I know each one will be for a purpose, whether it be to learn and/or grow, and continue down the path you have chosen for me. While I may not outwardly express it, I thank you each and every day you allow me to open my eyes and start each day anew. I ask you to bless my mom, Bre, Wade, the Angels, Erica, and everyone else the way you bless me everyday. – Alicia
So in an effort to keep the tradition going…
July 31st, 2018
Dear God,
I couldn’t have asked for a better 24th birthday. While there was no showering of gifts, no cake, and no balloons, there was love. There was barging in my bedroom door, too early in the morning, singing “Happy Birthday” very off key. There were writings of birthday tradition on my bathroom mirror. There were messages from so many friends and family. There were smiles, laughs, and very tight hugs as I said good bye to some family for the year.
God, I thank you for the lessons you provided me this past year. I thank you for the friendships developed and skills crafted. I know every situation and circumstance, no matter the difficulty, as led me here. Under your watchful eye and agape love, you have led me through every open door to this day, this moment, this journey of the World Race.
For the year ahead, let me be a vessel for you. Use me in a way that furthers your kingdom. Use me to point others towards you. Use me to show your love. Use me to touch those both abroad and at home. Everyday I want to know you more and hunger to know more of your Word. I graciously anticipate all of the people I will cross paths with, for I know each one will be for a purpose, whether it be to learn and/or grow, and continue down the path you have chosen for me. Thank you for the countless blessings you have given me. – Alicia
For those of you wondering, I never found my travel adapter.
