The Summer I Became A Young Woman

My lunch is packed. My backpack sits in the mudroom waiting for the morning. My uniform is pressed, and new school shoes wait in my closet. August 27 is tomorrow... yes, the day I start Junior Year.

This summer has been one of the most interesting experiences I've ever underwent.

I went to New York and studied under some of the biggest names to grace the biggest of stages. I saw four Broadway shows. I played Messy Twister, and got paint in my hair. I swam and read the Hunger Games. I got sunburnt, and also had hilarious experiences with spray tanning. I learned to drive, and got my Restricted License. I babysat. I taught a dance camp to sweet young girls in my basement. I worshipped the Lord with my Collide family every Sunday. I had a picnic with my siblings. I rolled my sunroof down and sang as loud as I could on country backroads. I competed in the Coca Cola Talent Classic. I competed and danced with some of my very best friends ever... my OCPT family. I performed in "The Music Man". I earned my Pointe Shoes and took classes weekly. I'm in an incredible Bible Study with an incredible group of sisters in Christ. I watched golf matches, baseball games, and have had my fair share of "bleacher butt". I ate countless ounces of froyo, and drank liters upon liters of tea. I shopped alot, laughed alot, loved alot. I fell off a stage in a performance. I cuddled on rainy days to watch movies and read the very best of stories. I've cried and celebrated. 

I've done it all this summer.

And God has taught me more about Himself and myself than ever before.

I became a young woman. I do my own laundry, go to the gas station, and am looking for a job. I drive myself to auditions, practices, and meetings. I'm scheduling college trips. I became a young woman.

Looking at Sophomore Year, I was being prepared for who I am today, and who I am consistently becoming. I will never be finished...no, I believe we are always growing, always being molded in the gentle, steady hands of the Father. But I have been pounded lately. I feel a lump in my throat as the bittersweet feeling of adulthood draws nearer and nearer. My dear Mom and Dad no longer hold me as tightly as they did six months ago. My wings are crumpled, but will soon be ready to expand to full capacity.... ready to fly.

So what has He taught me? That He is always present. That He is enough. That even when I lose, I win. That He has the perfect plan for my life. That He knows the desires of my heart. That He wants to use my passions and abilities. That He loves when I laugh, and mourns when I mourn. That He never leaves me. Ever.

And here I am. Sitting at my desk with the feeling of a fresh school year looming all around me. How do I feel? Honestly, I don't know. Burdened by the thoughts of countless hours in chairs huddled over books and papers. Thrilled by the smell of future bonfires, and the roar of coming football games...theology yet to be learned, and books waiting to be read. Every day holds a new gift. How could I possibly wish those gifts away? For I am becoming a young woman. A young woman with a purpose within each day. I will not mourn the summer's end, no, I will rejoice in this new season's start. It is here, and I will rise to meet it with grace and dignity. And just because it's good for me doesn't mean it won't hurt. 

Glory to Him for allowing me to experience the joys, challenges, and beauty of Summer 2013.

For I became a young woman.