As many of you know by now, I'm going to be leaving Virginia just before the New Year. I'll be headed out to Utah to start up school at UVU, studying Information Technology, most likely for the next two to three years. This wasn't an easy decision for me to make, and it's still got a couple of question marks attached to it, but I feel it is the right move to make and that it is the place for me to be going to right now.
That being said, this move has given me pause, as it approaches rather rapidly. I've had a number of things to think about and ponder on, and it's given me some interesting reflection and introspection. I just thought I'd share a few.
Personal shells can be helpful at times, but if stayed in too long, it generally only leads to regret. This isn't a new thought, but it is one that I keep re-learning almost every place I go. When I meet new people or end up in a new situation, often I'll retreat into my personal shell and just observe the world. Out here in Virginia, it wasn't until only the last few months that I've begun to emerge from my shell and to make friends. This has turned out to be my loss, as there are some amazing people out here that I wish I could have gotten to know better.
Relying upon the Lord in all things is perhaps the most important thing for us to do, because if we choose not to, we do so at our own peril. Times like this can be especially trying due to my moving and not knowing anyone (often) in the place I am moving to, or knowing very little about where I'll be. I don't do anxiety or stress very well, and this is a time that is full of both. It is a good time to remember that I need to turn tot he Lord to find guidance, direction, and comfort while I'm settling into a new life and making new friends. And then, to remember to not turn away from His help after I have settled in, because I will always need His help, and there is always a new situation to be faced.
Courage is something that can come and go, most often at the worst times. There are a lot of things in life that take courage and guts, and without them, it is easy to become lost and discouraged and miss out on many possible opportunities. Sure, not everything is fun. Sure, sometimes things don't go the way we'd hoped or planned. Sure, sometimes people turn out to be very different than we'd hoped, or they shut us down without a second thought. Life is like that, so very often, and all we can do is move on, pick up our courage, and keep on to the next opportunity. It isn't easy, and it wasn't meant to be easy. Nothing good comes without effort or price.
I will stop here, so that I don't drive you all insane. But before I go, to anyone who may read this that I have gotten to know over the last year and a half in Virginia, no matter how much or little, thank you. Thank you for making this a fun, interesting, and overall great adventure. Thank you for letting me share in your lives and your dreams. Thank you for helping me to feel like I could belong here, even if only for a short while. I wish you all the best, and may good things come to you in great numbers. May you be blessed and kept safe and happy. May we all be kept so.
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