What a year it has been! As I reflect on it, I recognize that a lot has taken place. In the beginning of the year, I was accepted into several different colleges throughout the state, and I committed to Saint Norbert College. I also applied for over 20 scholarships, and I received some of them. In March, I began my second, and final, year of soccer, and I made the varsity team. I went from learning the game in practice and getting some playing time on the field to being a starter on defense. Unfortunately, towards the latter end of the season, I was injured in one of my games and could not finish my last season. I will be honest, it was difficult to accept, but there was nothing I could do about it except follow my doctor’s orders. I was on crutches until 3 days before my high school graduation, so it was a close one! At least I was able to walk across the stage on my own. Thankfully, I was able to finish my last dance season before I got injured, and once I was injured I also had a foot surgery to remove a broken bone. But, back to graduation. Yes, I did it! I graduated from high school! Class of 2019! I enjoyed high school, but it was definitely time to move on. This past summer I attended my friend’s wedding, worked at a daycare, spent time with my family up north, enjoyed company with my friends, traveled to Alaska on a mission trip, and met my boyfriend. Quickly, August came around and I was moved into college. Classes began, and I began developing new friendships. I was challenged over the next 3 or so months with my studies, work, and becoming involved at school and within my community. However, all the while, I had fun and went on some exciting adventures. Now, it is December. Christmas is over already, and the new year is right around the corner.
Each year I choose a word or phrase that I want to focus on developing stronger within my character or disposition, and I select a verse to go with it. I guess you could say this is my form of a New Year’s resolution. This past year I chose the phrase ‘You Lead’ and selected the verse Proverbs 3:5-6 which says,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
As I journaled above about this past year, I can, for certain, claim that God led my life. I was offered several opportunities I did not foresee and accomplished a large aspiration of mine: valedictorian. I developed new relationships that I was not expecting, and I was supported and loved in unimaginable ways. I had selected this phrase and verse at the start of 2019 because I recognized that it was going to be a big year, and I needed assistance. Previously, for the past several years, I had attempted to take my life into my own hands, and it kind of worked. However, overbearing amounts of stress, and worry were present, and I was tired. I did not want to do it anymore by myself, and God already had a plan for my life. So, it was time to let him finally take over. I was burned out. I will be honest, it was hard to do this. When I was praying about what my decision was, it was difficult for me to tell Him I was letting go of my life and giving it to Him. But, once I did, the unimaginable began to take place. Stress was still present, of course. However, it was not as extensive as it used to be. Instead, when I would become anxious, I thought of Proverbs 3:5-6 and remembered that everything will be okay.
Now, the New Year has arrived once again, and I have chosen my word/phrase for 2020. It is ‘Be Present’. Why did I choose this? Well, now that I have experienced much change in my life, it is natural for me, and almost second-nature, to want to keep progressing with my life at a quick rate. However, if I were to do this, I am going to miss out on the beauty of the life God has given me right now, or my life four months from now. I have recognized that I am a fairly futuristic individual, and I am always thinking of what is to come in the future. This is not a bad thing. I feel like it is part of what makes me responsible. However, I want to take a slight step back for the year and just enjoy what God is doing in my life. So, I am going to work to ‘Be Present’, and the verse I am selecting for this year is James 4:14 which says,
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
I am selecting this verse because of its true and confrontational message. I do not know what my life will look like tomorrow, a month from now, or six months from now. It is not a negative confrontation for the things that the future holds for me includes joy, happiness, and success amidst troubling circumstances. However, if I continue to look ahead to the extent I find myself currently doing, I will wish my time away and fail to strengthen my relationships and friendships and develop as an individual.
So, to ‘Be Present’ it is! And, I am excited for the growth that will take place within me and my relationships with others this upcoming year. I challenge you to reflect on what you would like to work on within yourself and select a Bible verse to remind you of the truth you are working towards. Happy New Year! It’s a big one! 2020!!
