The past 9 months has been a rollercoaster of emotions preparing for a new season in my life–what to do after graduating high school. For me, its the World Race. I’ve been experiencing a range of emotions, from fear to excitement and unworthiness to pride. There’s a couple I wanted to share.
“Comparison is a thief of joy.”
And here I have been, comparing my life to everyone else’s. My journey and God’s plan for me to other people I know. Most of my friends are starting college this fall and I’ll be following in their footsteps next fall. They’re talking about their dorms and roommates, and instead I’m talking about sleeping pads and vaccinations my teammates are getting.
For a long time, I almost felt guilty doing something that was different than everyone else. I didn’t want it to seem like I was “bragging” or trying to get attention like, “Oh! Look at me! Look at what I’m doing!” But I’ve really started to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the paths everyone is going down. One is not better than the other. It’s not a competition. I shouldn’t have to try and downplay whats next in my life, and neither should anyone else. God is leading everyone and its so so beautiful!
Some of these feelings are hard, but each day God is using them to teach me and help me grow.
“Live in the moment.”
Knowing I’ll be away from home for 9 months straight, I’ve started to cherish and focus on the present. Yes, time us going by soooo fast and I’ll be leaving soon, but I’m here now and I want to enjoy every second! Whether its a dinner date with my little brother, or cheering my last high school basketball game; going to get ice cream with my friends, or graduating high school; going to the movies or taking a beach trip with my girlfriends, I want to cherish it all. It may have taken the World Race for me to realize this, but I am so happy I did and its changed the way I look at everything.
Overall, I am learning what it means to truly trust God’s plan for me. If its meant to be, He will make it happen. He will guide you, even if you don’t know whats next.
To sum it all up, God never quits working in my heart, or yours. Training camp is less than a month away, within 3 months I’ll be on a plane to Guatemala, and this time next year I’ll be living in Johnson City again. Here’s to loving each day and growing each day too.
– haven
