Days fly by quickly now that we are older. We seem to always be wishing to slow down and take in the beautiful moments that we live in now. However, life is always changing. It is always taking us through different seasons of life whether we are ready for it or not.
I just went through a huge change within my life, and I am now in a season of waiting as this next year long journey makes its way toward me. Is it scary to think that it is coming so fast? Yes! Is it exciting that after all this time, I am almost there? Yes!
Seasons of change are so beneficial and provide growth in our everyday lives, however, they can be frightening because they hold a lot of unknowns.
I just graduated from college last week. I spent four years at a collage growing relationships and finding myself and more of God. It was a ride in itself. There were many changes involved while I was there, but the biggest change was having to say goodbye to what I called home for so long. We were a family there, we were all connected, and we were able to grow into the community and become familiar with its different aspects. I was able to find who I was and who I wanted to be. I was able to build in my confidence and have more courage to face the next day. I grew in this season, but change was inevitable.
I know that there will be a lot of change to come in these next few months as I prepare to embark on this next journey of the World Race. I know there will be a few more goodbyes as I will be gone for a whole year. However, I know that God has a hold of me and this time of unknown will be laid to rest.
Changes are hard, because it is difficult saying goodbye to those we have loved.
I never realized how different senior year of college was going to be. I never realized how much emotion was built up in the last few weeks before graduation. I never realized how many “goodbyes” instead of “see you laters,” I would have to say. To think that all these people I have come in contact with, loved, and will forever remember, might be miles and miles away. I don’t know when or if I will be able to see them again. So goodbyes are hard when changing seasons come.
My last two weeks were an emotional roller coaster with a lot of “lasts.” I had to say goodbye to the people and kids I worked with and bonded with at my House Church. I loved the fellowship there and never realized how much I adored being there speaking with them. They were like another home to me, another family that I got to grow to be a part of. I also had to say goodbye to the people I volunteered with at the Ronald McDonald House Charity. I was barely there a year too, but I made those connections and loved the moments I spent there. One of my hardest days, however, was saying goodbye to my students that I taught that year. I never could have imagined the sweet relationship that I was able to build while teaching with them. They helped me grow and become a better educator. There were many tear-filled moments of wishing we had just a little more time. Lastly, I had to say goodbye to friends who turned into family at my college. We are all going separate ways where maybe our paths may cross again, yet maybe we will only stay connected through long distant chats.
These moments were difficult, but it goes to show how much we cared for each other. It shows that God was present and gave us wonderful memories to cherish. As I walked across the stage with a final wave of victory, I knew that my season was over there but a brand new one was right on the horizon! I am able to look back and smile at the life that was given to me, and I am able to look forward with the confidence to face any challenges that come my way.
Changing seasons are difficult, but they inspire growth and new opportunities.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
– Ecclesiastics 3:11
Many blessings,
Laura Leigh Armstrong
