Graduation post.

The past day of crazy traveling chaos has left us sitting at the Pittsburgh airport for about 5 hours. After a crazy weekend of graduating, working, and packing this is the first time I have had time to let the fact that I am a high school graduate actually sink in. Despite the time I have had to think about this it is something that I still don’t think my mind can really comprehend.

I feel like I have spent the past four years of my life just waiting to get out of high school and now that it’s time to leave I don’t want to go. I graduated on Friday and while everyone was excited and cheering I was still very unsure about how I felt about the whole thing. High school has taught me a lot of different things that have prepared me for the next chapter of my life, but there is something that has had an immense impact on my life.

All my life I always felt like everyone was always leaving me. Some moved away, some moved on and some went to be with the Lord. Through all of this I used to always get angry and upset and question why people were always leaving me or why relationships had to come to an end. It was not until the end of this year that I had a better understanding of all this. With the help of a friend I was able to acknowledge the fact that sometimes God only puts people in your life for a season, and once they have served their purpose and our need is met we must understand that their work is done and it is time for them to move on. Many times these people are sent into your life in order to guide you, teach you and help you through a time of difficulty and usually they bring you great joy. That joy is a real feeling, but it is only for a season.

I believe that is why I was so scared to leave high school, because for the past four years God has put some incredible people in my life and I know for a fact that I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for those people. I know I will eventually lose touch with teachers who have meant the most to me and friends who have imprinted my heart. And even friends who I would continue to stay in contact with I know that we would have a different relationship after we went our separate ways. Despite how depressing I am making this sound I also realize that it is because of the people that have shaped my life, who I am and my future.

So I just wanted to take a moment and thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being a part of these past four years of my life and I cannot wait to share the next chapter with you as well. I’ve learned that whether or not a person is in your life for a season or a lifetime, your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

(P.S. Keep me, my sister Caylyn and my good friends Hayley and Alyssa in your prayers as we travel to the Dominican Republic this week!)