new year.

The end of the year is supposed to be a time of reflection and a time for looking ahead (or so I’ve been told). As my last semester of college quickly approaches, it’s time to start thinking (pretty hard) about what the next step is for me, right? I mean that’s what society tells me anyway. (Now I could go into a whole other topic about how the world we live in forces us to look at life in a “next step” kind of way: high school then college then real job then marriage then kids, etc. but I’ll save that for another day). So let’s play along for now and begin to think about where I’m headed after graduation on May 11, 2013:

I have options. A lot of options. This is both a blessing and a curse. Why? Well, I have four, five or even six different directions I can go in. Some near. Some far. Some pay well. Some don’t. Some I would enjoy. Others I probably wouldn’t... So how am I supposed to determine which direction to go?

Where the LORD is leading.

Because you know what? Everyone (I repeat, EVERYONE) has an opinion of what I should do. Family. Friends. Potential employers. Myself. And it’s really difficult to determine the voice of the Lord amongst so many others. I’m not gonna lie… I’ve been really frustrated the last couple of months because I felt that I was being pulled in so many different ways.

But the Lord has begun to change my outlook. Think of it this way: Isn’t it a blessing that I have SO MANY people in my life that care? That ultimately, no matter what I do/where I go/who I’m with that these people will support me…

So that is my reflection for 2012. That’s the direction I am headed in for now: A place of thanksgiving and recognition toward the multitude and diversity of people the Lord has blessed me with:

Some close. Some not. 

Some that I can call and talk sports with. 

Some that I have so much in common with that it’s scary. Some that I can cry with. 

Some that I can not see in six months but pick up right where we left off. 

Some that I can live with. Some that I can be competitive with. 

Some that I can get in a car with and just drive. Some that I can dance with. 

Some that I can be completely honest with. 

And most importantly, some that I can talk JESUS with.

And that’s what I am looking ahead toward. In the coming weeks, a decision will be made... 

Will some rejoice? Yes. 

Will some be upset? Probably. 

Will some be saddened? I’m sure. 

But will they support me? Absolutely.

Relationships will change in the next phase of my life. But am I worried? Nope. They have changed before and the Lord’s blessing has still been on them. Why would I have any reason to think this time is different?