This last week has been a week of reflection.
A year ago, I was greeting a hall full of incoming freshmen girls at CBU. Where did that year go?! It went fast. The more and more I ‘will’ time to slow down, it speeds up. “Time flies when you’re having fun…” …isn’t that the truth!
I spent a lot of time reflecting on how much growth came from my time at CBU. It is where I became an adult. It is where [along side First Baptist Church of Norco (which was also a HUGE part of my growth)] I grew in my understanding of the Good News – Gospel Message. I learned what discipleship is and how to share Christ with people. I learned how to develop deep, meaningful relationship (still learning this one 🙂 ). I’ve learned to not give away my heart too quickly, but to trust in the Lord and follow HIS leading first and foremost (also, still learning this one). I’ve learned that maturity is extremely important and to make decisions that foster maturity and growth, rather than taking the easy, lazy way out. I’ve learned that I am so “prone to wander” and “leave the God I love” – I always choose the way that leads away from the Lord before I turn back to Christ (see Detachment vs. Development).
Among what I learned, there were several key relationships (and events/groups) that have grown so deep and played a huge part in teaching me all that I mentioned above.
- My two separate RA staff’s from my Junior and Senior year: God truly established these different groups as tools to mold me and shape me. They both were there for me for two very difficult years of my college experience, but some of the best and sweetest times of my life. Most of the pictures below are with these different girls. The Lord knew what he was doing by placing me in these different groups.
- Amman, Jordan, Middle East: This time was such a time of impact in my life. Not only did have such a fun experience, but I was challenged in my faith and stretched and shaped by the Lord. Working on a team to accomplish our goals was so difficult, but through that experience I learned a lot about myself and how I work – it was highlighted to me through this trip how selfish I am and how much I need Christ to rule my life.
- Residents: This kind of goes hand in hand with RAs, but really, it needs to be its own category. My different residents, both my junior and senior year, impacted my life greatly. Not only was I challenged to lead these girls (while most of the time not having a clue as to what I was doing), but I learned so much from them. Each year was so different, but both years the Lord used these girls to highlight the areas I need to grow in and to encourage me in the areas I was doing well in. These are some relationships that will last a lifetime.
- My summer internship at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, CA: This was a time for me that was different than most experiences. It was my first time on my own ever! I had never really ever been away from my parents for longer than a couple of days and even then, there was always someone looking out for me (brother, grandma, etc.). Even though I spent a lot of that time not taking it seriously at PBC and running off to San Ramon to “hang out”, it grew me in more ways than I realized. Not to mention, I made amazing friends there – Michelle and various others, and I got to spend more time with Jordan, my old youth pastor and “older brother”.
- My Dating Relationship: This was an area that encompassed most of my college years except the last year – though it still had a huge impact on my final year of college. This is something that I still am not sure how to articulate accurately and respectfully. But, the Lord used this area in my life to teach me so much about myself – mostly what I did wrong. I am still processing the last several years of my dating relationship even a year and a half after the fact and all that the Lord did and has done through that. To leave out that relationship would be gypping this list. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and also one of the most painful, but the Lord is so faithful. He has shown me through this process that he is always faithful to protect and provide and those two qualities are still outlined in my life over and over again through this time of singleness. I am beyond thankful for that time in my life, and even more thankful for the lessons that came out of it.
- First Baptist Church of Norco: This church has been such a staple in my life the last four years. From activities throughout the week such as ‘home group’, ‘youth group’, ‘Woman’s A&E’, bridal and baby showers, book studies, and living everyday life. This church…this family really has shaped me and formed me, through its’ teaching of the word, into who I am today. I sincerely love all of the people there and miss them something terrible.
- Close friends and family: Throughout the four years, there has been a handful of people who have come beside me and loved me and scolded me and lifted me up and encouraged me and so many other things. These friends are people who I will cherish forever and who I love so deeply. Each different person has specifically challenged me to be who I am today. How could I ever live without these people? This life would truly be a lot more dull without all of them here to love and serve.Â
Why I wanted to write a long list of who has impacted me, I do not know, but I truly am so grateful for all these people and these different places that have molded me and shaped me the last four years of my life. God has been so gracious to me, not just in the initial forgiveness of my sins, but time and time again. In just placing these people in my life, I feel like one of the most “blessed” women on this planet. My prayer is that in the next four years of my life and beyond, relationships like these begin to form and that growth can be fostered in a mighty way. Thank you, Lord, for your love and grace.Â
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To Be Continued… 🙂
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