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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s resolution. This past year I chose the phrase \u2018You Lead\u2019 and selected the verse Proverbs 3:5-6 which says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTrust 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, the New Year has arrived once again, and I have chosen my word\/phrase for 2020. It is \u2018Be Present\u2019. 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 \u2018Be Present\u2019, and the verse I am selecting for this year is James 4:14 which says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy, 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, to \u2018Be Present\u2019 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\u2019s a big one! 2020!!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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