A lot has happened since my last post. I’m back at college, back in volleyball season, and back to my “go go go” schedule. Despite the fast paced living and 17.5 credit hours, I am blessed to say I’m thriving.
Sometimes people say they are “living their best life.” For me, I want to take this opportunity to openly share some joyful experiences in my life right now. This past month has made me want to scream “thank you” to God because I am definitely on the mountaintop right now.
Relationships // My life feels like a complete 180 compared to Fall of last year. Recap: I had surgery on my throat and didn’t have a voice when I came to college. And it didn’t get any better until spring semester. So I was shy, unwilling to start conversations and put myself out there for the fear that people would physically not hear me. Here I am now walking to class saying hi to 5 people I know, speaking up when professors ask questions, calling “mine” on the court, and cheering so loud I get lightheaded. It sure is good to have a voice and to be able to simply communicate with others. I am thankful for the hardship and the lessons I learned, but I’m also thankful for this season of “high” because building intentional relationships is something I once took for granted.
Mid-Day Mental Breaks // Call it cheesy. Call it a waste of money. I call it necessary. Cam and I have started a trend called “Mid-day Mental Breaks” where once a week we go get lunch at a place we’ve never eaten at. 1) This has really made me explore both Elizabethton and Johnson City. 2) This breaks up a hard day or a hard week. 3) Naturally this lets Cam and me catch up and continue to build our friendship. I am grateful my school and volleyball schedule worked out the way they did. I am able to have “spur of the moment” adventures like this. I truly don’t feel like my social life is suffering, which is a big praise being a collegiate student athlete.
Outdoor Adventures // Thanks to my friend Chase, I’ve explored more of the mountains in East TN in the past three weeks than I did all of my freshman year of college. It’s also a bonus that he’s a photographer and captures super great pics while we’re on these adventures. Roan Mountain. Beauty Spot. Buff Mountain. Elk River Falls. And the list will continue. I am in awe of His creation every time we travel to these places. God is an artist. God is a creator. God keeps me in awe.
Classes // Life is much more enjoyable when the things you’re studying are interesting. My 3 education classes are entertaining and very applicable for what I will be doing in the future. Reading my textbooks is no longer a struggle…who would’ve thought that? That tells you right there that the classes are not just busy work but rather things I enjoy learning about.
My cross cultural psychology class has been eye opening. Our professor has tailored the class readings and assignments to shed a light on racism and white privilege: two aspects of American society that have developed more attention this year. I’m learning, but I’m also growing as a person, and I think that’s the point of a college education.
I’ve never had experience with graphic design. We are working in Adobe Illustrator, and it’s different to say the least. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. It’s basically “painting” but with a mouse. Hopefully my technical skill will improve and who knows, maybe I’ll design a billboard someday.
Spanish 3…rough. But I’m learning! There are lots of online activities, but they help me learn the material, and I actually find them pretty entertaining. I know, nerdy. I hope to become better at communicating and understanding Spanish because again, I can see God having me use that as an ESL teacher, while serving on mission trips, or something else. Side note: Literally no idea where I’ll end up in 3 years. Oh well. There’s something pretty liberating about that though. No pressure to figure it all out.
Spiritual // I’ve found myself looking forward to the spiritual activities I have immersed myself in while at college. I enjoy being on Vespers Committee and attending the service every Sunday night. I enjoy going to drive-in church at First Christian. I enjoy spending time in the word and in prayer while sipping on my morning coffee. I don’t have it all together…and I’ve gone a few days where I miss my devotion! But I can tell a difference in my attitude, in the way I treat people, and in my mindset when I’m not intentionally striving to move closer to God. I am thankful there are so many opportunities in the place God has put me where I can 1) grow in my faith and 2) serve others in the hopes that their faith will also grow.
Music // Super thankful for the new Spotify playlist I found called “Everyday Inspiration” that continues to put me in a good mood. Some songs that have really been speaking to my soul include:
1) Over and Over by Riley Clemmons 2) Fighting for Me by Riley Clemmons 3) Who Am I by NEEDTOBREATHE 4) You by Apollo LTD 5) Peace Be Still by Hope Darst
God, thank you so much for this mountaintop of ultimate highs in my life right now. Life is full of hills and valleys. I pray that in this time, you give me the desire to speak Truth, encouragement, and love into every person I come across. In the low times, it’s harder to see the good, but right now, I am so grateful for the blessings in my life. May I use this time to intentionally speak to others about the goodness in my life because it is all there because of You. When the hard times come, help me remember You are with me just as much as you are with me in the good times. Thank you for this “beautiful adventure” where I can “raise some praise” because Your love, Your plan, and Your purpose for my life are far greater than anything I can create by myself.
Beautiful Adventures 