One Week Left

Just 6 more days until I walk across the stage to get my diploma....

What? Really? Where did the time go?

I honestly don't feel like I have finished Nursing School nor does it seem real that in about 2 months or less I will have hopefully (crossing my fingers and studying hard for the next month or so) pass my NCLEX so that I will officially be an RN. 

I feel super nostalgic this week as I am getting myself ready for a great weekend with lots of family and friends to celebrate. I remember thinking to myself last year this time when I should have been walking "it's never gonna get here."

I'm 6 days away.

The time has flown so fast.

In thinking back as I have had some time to myself, I honestly am overwhelmed at all that has happened in my life in the last 5 years. 

I had no idea what God had in store for me when I left high school and started my first year at Southeastern University. I have written about the uncertainty in my life at that point often, but it's amazing to me to see just how much each piece of the puzzle has fit together. The last 4 years that I have had at Trevecca, and my time spent in Nursing school at Belmont have been unbelievable in their own ways. 

I never thought I would be in nursing but God has continued to direct me down this path and has given me peace to know that I am walking where He wants me. I still cannot believe that I am going to be starting graduate school in August. It's amazing to me how much in myself I feel that I have changed in the past 4 years and while I expected to grow up, mature (somewhat at least) and learn how to be more on my own, I never had any idea what God would have in store for me as I have walked through different seasons these past 4 years.

I'm thankful I started writing more and more on my blog over the past few years. It's encouraging to look back and see where I've come from but in my own life recently, I have been challenging myself and asking the Lord to remind me of His faithfulness in my life as I struggle with the uncertainties of tomorrow. 

While I often times find myself feeling guilty, embarrassed and almost ashamed at times for my lack of 'faith' I also realize that this is a season of growth and a time to strengthen the faith that I do have. I guess it's humbling to realize just how much work I need to do but also to know that it isn't about reaching an "end" point or a finish line but to keep continually running the race and taking each day as it comes, trusting the Lord for what I will need in that day alone. 

I feel that I have so many thoughts running through my mind, it's one thing after another right now, but through all of this and as I am getting ready to close one chapter of my life, regardless of the unanswered questions of what's ahead, I am certain of God's faithfulness.

I have been more blessed the past 5 years of my life that I ever thought imaginable.

 God knew exactly what He was doing when I started my freshman year of college heart broken, away from home, and alone.

 He then lead me to Nashville where I got to discover what I'm truly passionate about and gave me the chance to lead others in worship and build relationships with teens and great people for 3 years.

 He knew what He was doing when I felt lead to switch majors even though it cost me an extra year in school.

He knew what He was doing even though I wasn't listening and being disobedient and He gave me grace and showed me that through my best friend & the man of my dreams.

He knew what He was doing when I didn't get into Vanderbilt's Residency Program.

He knew what He was doing when I was impatient and waiting for 2 months to know if I got into graduate school.

He knows what He's doing right now in this very moment, in my heart and all around me, even though I can't see it.

I guess more than anything, I want it to be known how thankful and blessed I am to have spent my last 4 years here at Trevecca and in Nashville. I am so grateful for all the love and support I have received along the way and as we celebrate this weekend, I just want it to be known how much I appreciate my parents, my incredible boyfriend, my friends, my mentors, and those back at home who have played such a huge part in my success here.  

Here are a few photos I took that will be sent out to announce my graduation. Rebekah, one of my friends I traveled with did an incredible job! Thank you Rebekah!! 

Check out her stuff! 535 Photography

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:7