Eyes and Goodbyes

Alright, so I leave for college tomorrow morning and I've been super excited all week. Through all the packing and loading I never really sat down and took the time to think about what I was leaving. Yes, I knew I was leaving home and I would miss my parents and my room, but that's expected. The unexpected sorrow hit me tonight while attending the student ministry at my church. In one prayer I realized just how close I had grown to all the people there and just how much I would feel the void in my heart once I left. Until about a year ago, my love for this place and these people was not this strong. Finally I found a group of people with whom I could monitor and enhance my relationship with God. This above all else I will miss the most; the accountability, the support, the love.

On a lighter note, once I realized how much I am going to miss them, I also was hit with another thought. This is why I need to leave. So I can bring the joy I feel while with these people to the students on campus. As scary as it seems, I just have to get out there and find friends who will become what this group of people has been for me all summer. I have been blessed to know these people and because of that I will bless others with the love of God. While encased in a giant hug, I prayed for strength to reach out to non-believers and courage to live by faith no matter what the cost. The people at my church have taught me so much. I know that I can always come back to them, which is what keeps me moving forward.

By leaving my hometown, I will be forced to meet new people. People of all backgrounds, all interests, and all personalities. My goal is to see them all the way God would see them. Often times when we are in the familiar we miss what is going on around us. Likewise, if we are too intensely focused on a certain task, person, or goal we will overlook a potentially life changing opportunity.  If we just step back and survey our surroundings, we might discover that our God-given talents are needed. We are put in situations to serve God, but if we are so busy looking elsewhere the need will never be fulfilled.  In order to serve, you must first find the need. You must see the problem if you are ever going to fix it. God sees everyone for who they are and he knows exactly what they need in their life. If we at least attempt to see people the way God does, more than likely we will be able to figure out some need in their life that we can help with.

To bridge the two stories, I discovered one more important fact in that group hug. The love I feel for the people at my church needs to carry on through me to the people that I meet on campus. By leaving this spiritual support group, my familiar, I will be able to look at my surroundings and see the needs. I will see the opportunities in which I can serve the Lord.

So thank you for the goodbyes; they will open my eyes for the glory of the Almighty.