Where oh where has the time gone?
Looking at the calendar and realizing that I only have a week left at home sends so many emotions running through me that it's overwhelming. I feel excited that I get to go back to PC and see all of my amazing friends and the community that surrounds me, anxious about classes and responsibilities...but there's something else. An indescribable feeling consisting of every emotion possible to the highest degree...not happy but not sad.
Today was my last Sunday with the Florence Newspring crew for a few months. If there was ever a Sunday to go out with a bang this was surely the Sunday! They started their "I love the 80's" series and it was so amazing. (Something to add to the list of things I never thought I would ever do...dress in costume for church.) Looking back at this summer, I've come to the realization that I have grown so much as an individual...not just in my maturity, but in my walk with God. I've learned that MY plan is not always what HIS plan is...in fact, his plan is 100x better than anything I could ever imagine! I've learned that if you take a leap of faith into unknown situations (ie; The Gauntlet), the outcome can be amazing. I've learned that surrounding yourself with people who love God and have a relationship with him is necessary to have a healthy walk with the Lord. I've learned that patience is a virtue...something I'm still working on.
Most of all, though, I've learned that trusting God with my whole heart and giving him everything and every plan and every idea in my life is completely riveting. Hard, yet so rewarding. It's so awesome to know that God has a plan for my life and that, in due time, He will unravel it for me and reveal to me where to go. Until then, it's necessary to swallow the lump in my throat, jump, and just pray that my faith keeps me afloat.
The Gauntlet was perhaps the most amazing experience I've ever had as a leader...ever. 1400+ kids and leaders all worshiping a God who loves us more than we could ever imagine simply took my breath away at times. Looking from the back of the huge auditorium and seeing a group of amazing kids worshiping and singing and clapping and praying and dancing for a God who saved them and saves so many lives every day...there are no words to properly describe the chill bumps and tears of happiness that were brought to me every single morning and night.
I got to experience a sunrise baptism Thursday morning, witnessing the baptism of more than 250 youth...so awesome. I witnessed a girl in my own room committing her life to Christ and experienced the joy of sharing the word of Christ with her. I had so many awesome conversations with my small group and can't wait to see God work in their lives.
This summer, God has shown me his true power and his true grace, of which I'm so undeserving.
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