Well folks, it is official. I am now a grad student at good 'ol Regent University. WEIRD! (Hopefully no one from the university will see my use of the fake word "ol.") I received my official phone call last Thursday and my letter via email today. I even sent them my non-refundable deposit! It seems a little surreal after all the time I have spent thinking about it. However, August 2013 starts a whole new adventure for me, and this is one I am really stinking excited about.
With the start of graduate school, my time at the District Office will officially come to a close. (I'm sure I will post more on that as the time approaches.) When I leave at the end of July, I will have been here for almost two years. My time here has taught me a lot, and I have made several life-long connections and friends. For this, I am forever thankful.
I have felt nothing but love and support since I first started on this new journey of pursuing a Master's Degree. From the GRE to my admissions interview, I have been encouraged and uplifted even in moments of nervousness and doubt. I know this is what God is calling me to, and I eagerly anticipate seeing how it will unfold in future steps. For now, I am just enjoying the unexpected ride.
As I am filled with such excitement and anticipation, I am also carrying a heavy heart. These past few months have seemed to carry with them a lot of tragedy. As I have watched one of my dearest friends these past few weeks begin to sort out what will be her new normal, I am reminded that everyone walks a different path and has a different journey. Some of our journeys, however, aren't of our own choosing. Over these past few weeks, I have often found myself asking God, "Why? Why God? Why do these things happen?"
Man, am I thankful I serve a God who can handle all my questions.
Even though I don't understand why everything happens, I do know that I serve a God who is bigger than any hardship and any road less traveled. I know He walks side-by-side with each one of His kids and takes their hands to guide them on.
And this very promise offers me hope.
If I have learned anything over my last 23 years of life, God is much more about the journey than He is the destination. Thank goodness He walks every last possible journey with us - even the ones that make absolutely no sense.
So, I walk into the next few months extremely excited and extremely aware of the ever present necessity of a God who walks every road.
I pray that no matter your journey, you will feel the God of peace take every last step with you.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
In Him,
Em
