It’s hitting the end of July which means you’re probably starting to get ready to head to college if you’re 18-22ish years old. You may be a senior who is shocked that this is your last year or you may be an incoming freshman who is so excited but also REALLY nervous. No matter what grade or season you may be in, we can all admit that heading back to school is full of excitement but it’s also a little bittersweet at the same time. I will be the first to admit that I fully cry every time I say bye to my parents and I fully sob when I have to say bye to my dogs. Leaving home and growing up is hard. Something about your childhood home is so comforting and it feels like you could stay there forever. Having a home cooked meal is so amazing and there honestly isn’t really anything like it. Leaving home can be scary, but something that I love and find so much comfort in is that God puts us exactly where he wants us.
I love the verse “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) although this verse is short and sweet there is so much meaning within it. God has everything planned out and works for our good. He wants nothing more than to see you succeed and live a joyful life that is glorifying to him. We can find so much rest in knowing that he puts right where he wants and needs us to be and there is so much opportunity within the place he called you to be. Learning to let go and let God has been a big lesson for me this year and if I’m being honest I’m still learning it. If you’re like me then you can tend to be a bit of a control freak at times but I’ve learned that trying to control every aspect of my life is honestly really exhausting and I will always fall short. God can do more than anything we could ever do, when we learn to let go and let God take the reins, that is when we start to see so much of his goodness and find so much joy. Remembering and knowing that God placed us at this specific school and at this specific time and so many other little details is actually so amazing when you stop and think about it. He knows exactly what he is doing and his plan for you is perfect, so remember God has you exactly where he wants you because you were born for such a time as this.
This little part is specially for the incoming college freshmen. I know exactly how you once felt. Whether you’re moving hours away from home or just a few minutes away from your childhood home it can be SO SCARY. When I was getting ready to head to Ole Miss I remember feeling so scared, I knew it was the school for me and I was so excited to go but the thought of being 16 hours away from my family and everything I have ever known was terrifying. But what helped calm my fears was knowing that God was at work. Going back to the last paragraph, God is putting you right where he wants you to be. He is working so many things out that you may not even see right now. Instead of freaking out and overthinking just take a moment to stop and just breathe and look at what God has already done in your life. If he’s already showed up in so many amazing ways what is going to stop him from doing that over and again for you. “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.” (Romans 8:38) If you choose to trust in Jesus and surrender your fears and worries to him you will see him show up in so many ways. Trust in him and believe that he is working and take the time to enjoy this season because there is nothing like it. It’s such a fun time because you’re in a new place with new people around you. There are so many new friends to make and experiences to be had, so instead of focusing on all the things you’re worried about, think about all of the fun things coming your way! And do not be afraid to reach out to others, everyone is nervous and wanting friends so why not be the one to take initiative and start making friends.
Home is always a phone call, drive, or flight away. Feeling homesick is so normal, instead of being sad about it think about how amazing it is that you have people to miss. Be so thankful that you will always have those people back home who love and support you. There are your cheerleaders even though they may not be right next to you. Think about how proud your parents are of you! You’re doing so many amazing things and they are so excited to see everything you continue to do. Make sure you call your parents, since they are so proud of you they want to hear all about what you’re doing. Even if it’s a quick 5 minute phone call on your way to class, your mom or dad will be so excited to hear from you. If you have a hometown friend who you are going to miss so much try and schedule a weekly FaceTime with so you can give each other weekly debriefs, because I guarantee y’all are going to have a lot to debrief on and you don’t want to save all of it till Christmas break because then that would take forever. What’s so amazing is that the people make the place, which yes this is very cliche but it is SO TRUE. So make sure you find “your people”, join a Bible study, get involved in a campus ministry, or join a local church, etc. There are sooo many ways to find your people, and don’t forget to pray about it and ask God to send you those sweet friendships that will pour into you. And remember that you will always have the people back home cheering you on. As Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus said “You’ll always find your way back home” you can always give someone a quick call or make a quick trip back home.
There is so much for you to do and see out the world, God created so many amazing things. If I had stayed scared and never left my little corner of the world I would not be anything close to the person I am today. Doing scary things like moving away are just growing pains and help shape us into the person God created us to be. We have to remember the bigger picture, although it may seem scary to move or away, or you’re a senior now and still have no clue what you’re doing postgrad, God is still working in those moments and preparing us for something. “You do not realize now what I am doing, but you will understand later.” (John 13:7) God is always working, we just have to trust him. We have such an amazing God who truly cares about us more than we could ever imagine. So if you’re getting ready to head to school for the first time or maybe even the last time just take a minute to reflect on God’s goodness and all the beautiful things he has done and will continue to do. Sit back and relax knowing that he has it all under control. And don’t forget to have fun because what an exciting time this is! He is doing so many amazing things so make sure you enjoy it!