Growth

I've learned a lot in the past 3 years -- and I have yet to learn more. As I was scrolling through old pictures and reminiscing the good times and bad, I thought I would share with you 9 lessons I've learned/truths I've been reassured of over the past few years.

Jesus satisfies

Upon entering college, I was solely finding my worth in and through temporary things. Not that I'm saying I don't battle with this struggle anymore, I do...but I've learned and have seen God do some incredible work and refinement in me over the last 3 years. With every tough situation when I thought there was nothing more I could do or how someone's view of me gained authority over my self-worth, He has been constantly reminding me of my identity in Him -- that nothing in this life will have the power to provide me with the overflowing love and living water that only Jesus provides!

The silence is powerful

If I'm being completely transparent, trying to find peace in the unknown has always given me anxiety. I have a type A personality, which means that I like to think ahead, plan, and mentally prepare myself for multiple scenarios of how things could turn out. And when I sit in silence, I become so antsy, because I just want to know what will happen! (and yes, I've always been that person who starts reading a novel, but becomes super impatient and flips all the way to the last page...)

Within the last 3 years, I've seen God shape me so much in this area, and He is even now. I've experienced disappointment, heartbreak, and worry. But God has never failed to hold me up in those moments of uncertainty. Here's the thing, we will never know how life (our career, relationships, you name it) will turn out, and that's a valid fear...but choosing to seek the Lord out in the midst of the silence can turn out to be the most joyous, powerful, exciting thing ever.

Pray.

God is listening. He wants to hear what you're going through and what you're thankful for. Although He is all-knowing, He wants us to come to Him and to grow in our relationship with Him by sharing what's on our mind. Since my freshman year, I've made it a habit to write down my anxious thoughts, the blessings I've seen in my life, or my day-to-day struggles; I've seen those scribbles in my notebook as prayers. And with that, it's crazy to look back only to see what happened or what didn't. No matter if our prayers are answered or not, the Lord knows the best thing for us and doesn't withhold from us any good thing. Prayer is so powerful.

Embrace the uncomfortableness

Before deciding to go on my mission trip to the Jersey Shore, I was overcome with the fear of rejection. And when I learned that the trip I would eventually go on would entail me walking up to strangers and striking up spiritual conversations with them, my knees buckled almost every time. But ironically, when I was in the exact moment of deciding to approach someone, I was given a sense of peace amidst the uncomfortableness.

I've learned that putting yourself out there will never be something you'll regret. Even if the situation turns out bad, you learn from embracing the awkwardness either way.

Never settle or change for another person.

I'm going to keep this point short and sweet (and honestly, I'm writing this to myself as well) In a loving way, be direct and tell someone how you really feel, rather than giving in and telling something they want to hear.

Allow yourself to be vulnerable with others.

I've found that the deepest connections with others comes from opening yourself up to talk about the hard things in life. Being vulnerable is so important -- It allows you and others to share what you've struggled with in the past/present and how God has been working in your heart. All of us have beautiful and unique stories that God has orchestrated and is continuing to develop.

There's ALWAYS a time for sweet potato fries.

Yep. I have an obsession. But it's okay :)

It's okay to dwell in sorrow - it takes time to grieve.

I learned that there should be no rush to 'get everything together'. Sometimes things take time to process, and that's completely okay.

Dancing & laughter helps with everything.

Learning to be silly, whether it's blasting the music up a little too loud or letting out an obnoxious laugh with friends is so good to experience every once in a while. Being surrounded by the seriousness of life all the time can feel like you're walking through mud. I aspire to be in my 80's and still let loose on the dance floor! ;)