My church is my extended family. I could fill pages upon pages of stories, funny tales, memories, and good times spent with my church family. I wouldnt be who I am without the influence of other chriatian friends, and the incredible men and women who have volunteered and invested time in a relationship with me to help me grow and mature in a relationship with Christ.
I have graduated high school, and with this great accomplishment a few doors begin to close and new ones begin to open. I have "graduated" from my youth group and now have been given the opportunity to move up to the college aged class/group. And knowing that everything is about to be shaken up a little is pretty scary. Not only am I leaving a school I've been with for the last four years, but a group of individuals who I've known for even longer. I'm going to school next year in Memphis. I plan to still attend the church I attend now, and I plan on continuing to stay just as involved with my church family as Ive ever been.
I'm not saying goodbye, but I am beginning a new chapter in my life. It's unknown and a little scary, but I'm so excited! I wasn't at first, and I really wasn't until about two or three days ago. This new beginning holds new opportunities, new stories that will unfold, new adventures, new memories, and the opportunity to grow and mature as a child of God.
I guess in a nutshell this past week can be described simply as a nostalgic one. I spent a lot of time thinking about the time I had with my youth group. With my toes in the sand, the wind whipping my hair, the sun shining across the water, and with people I love surrounding me I realized how much my life has been impacted by my church and began to imagine what's in the future and what God has in store for me. My story is far from over. This chapter is just ending. I'm not leaving, it's just time for a change. And for the first time ever, I'm okay with that. Change might just be good :)
