Life Abundant

Graduation is 21 days away. 21 days people. With this approaching, I have heard the following from very well meaning friends and family.  

1. “So do you have your ring yet?”

      Unless you’re talking about a class ring, don’t ask this. Even then, I don’t want a class ring. They are urgly and I’d rater buy shoes. Yes, I will be in the few that graduated from a Christian University and walks across the stage with out a shiny rock on my finger. And yes, I came to school for more than just a Mrs. Degree.

2. “Are you bummed that you didn’t meet your husband at CBU?”

      See #1.

3. “I’m stressing out because I don’t know what to do this summer.”

      Go to the beach. I don’t know what I’m doing with my life.

4. “What are you doing with your life?”

      This is a big one. And I myself am guilty of asking others this as well. Most people you ask are not going to know the answer to this. I’ve been tempted to answer this question with “joining the circus” or “hanging out with your mom”, but I’ve refrained and answered with “going to church and getting a job”. I figured this is a more fitting answer for an educated individual such as myself.

5. “What do you want for a graduation present?”

      Gotcha! This a trick one. Feel free to ask me this whenever you would like.

6. “What can you do with your degree?”

      From what I’ve gathered, I can either go to grad   school or work at the 99 cent store. What I plan on doing with my degree is loving Jesus and loving people.  

In reality, it doesn’t really bother me when people ask these questions. I just find them humorous. But to all the loving family and friends out there, give us a little grace. We are still figuring things out. Until then, I’ll just blog about the funny things that you say to me. :)

I can’t put into words how thankful I am for the years I have spent at CBU. The friendships made are lifelong friends that have taught me how to love and be loved, and to allow people to see the ugly as well as the beautiful. These people are beautiful, God fearing, and passionate world-changers that I am honored to call friends. I’ve had professors who have spent time with me outside of the class room, invested in my education as well as spiritual life, and have celebrated with me in victories. I’ve had bosses who have far exceeded their title and job description in my life, and who have molded me into who I am today. It’s safe to say that my years at CBU have been the best years of my life, but I take hope in the fact that the best is yet to come. I’ve learned, been invested in, mentored, and loved, and those are the things that I will take with me. As I look back with a heart full of memories, I look forward and realize that it’s just now beginning. Learning and growing doesn’t stop here. It’s all just now beginning.

What a challenging yet beautiful time the last few weeks have been for me as the reality of a cap and gown, graduation announcements, and goodbyes comes closer. I’m learning to trust Him in the unknown. I don’t know where He will lead me, but I do know that He is always good. While the enemy would love for me to feel alone, scared, and fearful, I know Who goes with me as a walk across that stage in 3 weeks. Life might not look like I pictured it would after the diploma is framed and mounted on the wall. I may be working at the 99 cent store instead of being overseas and doing what I’m passionate about right away. Joseph had a similar “do you see me, God?” experience in Genesis 48 when he didn’t receive the blessing that he was expecting and felt like he deserved. When expectation crumbles, things don’t work out as planned. John Acuff wrote about this experience in His blog (check out his blog, it’s genius). As he reflected upon Joseph’s experience, He thought that this is something that God might say to us, even today.

“I know, my son, I know. I know, my daughter, I know. That thing you wanted is not going to happen. Not the way you’ve always dreamed. I know this hurts. I know this stings. I know you feel like I am distant or not aware of where you are and who hurt you and what you think life was supposed to be like. I know in moments like this you doubt that I can count the hairs on your head or have your best in mind. But please, I am not done. I have barely started to reveal your life to you. I am the God who satisfies your desires with good things. That is me! And when it comes to your hopes and your fears and your dreams, I know, my son, I know.” (John Acuff, “The Soft X).

What a mind-blowing comfort that is. Truths such as these are what I hold onto. He promises never to leave and I know that He truly does see the desires of my heart. As I put His kingdom first, He promises to put everything else into place. As I learn these things, the grand finale of “how many slurpees from the caf can Christina drink before she graduates” has officially begun, as has my excitement for what God has next. So if you see my in the caf drinking a slurpee, and either crying or laughing, don’t be alarmed. 

“We often ask God to show up. We pray prayers of rescue. Perhaps God would ask us to be that rescue, to be His body, to move for things that matter. He is not invisible when we come alive. I might be simple but more and more, I believe God works in love, speaks in love, is revealed in our love. I have seen that this week and honestly, it has been simple: Take a broken girl, treat her like a famous princess, give her the best seats in the house. Buy her coffee and cigarettes for the coming down, books and bathroom things for the days ahead. Tell her something true when all she’s known are lies. Tell her God loves her. Tell her about forgiveness, the possibility of freedom, tell her she was made to dance in white dresses. All these things are true.

We are only asked to love, to offer hope to the many hopeless. We don’t get to choose all the endings, but we are asked to play the rescuers. We won’t solve all mysteries and our hearts will certainly break in such a vulnerable life, but it is the best way. We were made to be lovers bold in broken places, pouring ourselves out again and again until we’re called home.”

I’m thankful for…

• salty ocean breeze
• laughter
• the heart-penetrating power of the gospel 
• my amazing RA staff and job
• grace
• sushi
• friends from all around the world
• my dysfunctional, but absolutely wonderful family 
• CBU
• bike rides in Autumn air 
• sunsets
• pumpkin pie
• friendships that challenge me and make me a better woman
•  the opportunity to serve a global God
• this current season of my life
• chai tea
• the blessing of singleness 
• people who are bringing light to the darkest corners of this world
• country music
• my OCC church family

I could go on, but these are just a few things that make my heart sing.