Well, later today I leave for Virginia! It's the day I've been planning for and counting down to for most of the summer, and yet part of me still can't believe it's here. I'm mostly packed up (I'll throw some more clean laundry in my suitcase and pack up my shampoo and toothpaste later today), but even as I put my dress clothes into my car it's hard to believe that in a few (4) short days I'll be starting my first "real" job. [Ahhhhhh!!!!] I am both nervous and excited. It's a job that I really want, because I think it will prepare me for grad school and I also think I'm going to enjoy it. But it's going to involve a lot of new things, and I am praying that I'll be able to catch on quickly to everything I need to know to do my job well.
Even though this summer was shorter than any I've had before (sorry August, you're for working now instead of playing), it was a really great summer. I spent the majority of my time with my family and friends, did a fair amount of relaxing, and even traveled abroad. Last summer certainly had its highlights, but I've got to say I think I liked this summer better, despite its brevity. Even with the two-plus weeks spent in Spain with my family, I still managed to make three weekend trips with friends, celebrate a friend's engagement (I'm going to be a bridesmaid- yippee!), celebrate turning 22, celebrate my own and my brother's graduation, go to the beach, go camping, go hiking, bake, read books, watch movies, play with the pets, get sunburnt, have campfires, and do many other summer-y things :D
As soon as I woke up this morning, my heart started beating quickly. Today's the day- the day my summer ends and I leave my family's house and drive myself to VA. These next few days and even weeks are probably going to be fast-paced, just like my heartbeat in anticipation of them. Oddly enough, my devotions today were about slowing down. I've been working my way through a devotional called "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp (and totally loving it, but maybe I'll write a separate post about it some time), and it focuses on noticing the everyday gifts that God gives us. I think the tagline says "a dare to live fully right where you are," or something like that. Anyway, today's devotion talked about slowing down, making sure we don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with God today, here, and now. It was a great reminder for me, especially today, and here is some of what I journaled in response to it:
"It seems a little ironic to be focusing on slowing down and being still as I embark on a big life transition, as I leave for VA today and start a new job in just a few days. Of course my body will not be still as I load and unload my car, drive many miles, run errands, and cross off to-do list items. And of course I'll need to move quickly on some things- turning in paperwork, picking up on procedures at work, finding the nearest grocery stores and banks, registering my car in a new state, and more. But maybe now is as good a time as any to ask You God to give me stillness in my heart, rest through the rush of moving and starting a new job, to help me to be slow to fear and quick to trust You through it all.
I do feel anxious- that I'll be overwhelmed with learning the ropes at my new job, that some huge hidden fee will appear and I won't be able to afford it, that there will be some paperwork fiasco, that some crisis will arise for my family and I won't be there to help because I'll have to be at work in VA. But God, with You, I know that I can also be thrilled for this move, this job. You unmistakably have been at work in opening the doors that have led to this. And You have always been so faithful in the past; throughout my whole life You have provided and stretched me and taken care of me. Help me, in the midst of all the rushing and racing and transitioning, to rest in You, to have a heart that is slow to become anxious and quick to rely on Your goodness and love. Keep my eyes open to little gifts along the way, ways you want to work in and around and through me. Don't let me ignore You God, and try to adjust on my own. Thank you that You hear me and You love me."
I am officially "adulting" now. (Real job, real bills :P) I'm super thankful to have such supportive family and friends in my life :) So, with God's and their help, I say- bring it on!
