Every year around Christmas time, my parents ask me to make a Christmas list. When I was younger, I had no problem writing out an elaborate list of toys and gadgets, but as I’ve gotten older, the list has gotten smaller and more difficult to make. This year was different. The only gift I really wanted for Christmas this year was something that no amount of money could buy. I knew that if I was to only get this one thing, my heart would be so full.
The past three years have felt like a whirl wind. Since graduating high school, I’ve moved three times, played college softball, joined a sorority, started working in the pharmacy, and continued to lead in youth ministry. In the past three years I have also had surgery to repair a torn labrum, bicep tendon, and partially torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder and consequently had to hang up my cleats, completely changed my major twice causing me to be slightly behind, stepped away from my sorority after learning a very difficult but important lesson, grieved the passing of a couple people very near to my heart, and experienced a few other hills and valleys that have come along the way. (I could write for hours about each individually, but I’ll save that for another day.) I found my self in a constant state of anxiety and unrest. As the end of this past semester approached, I was busy finishing up some of the hardest classes I have ever taken, and I started to realize that I was rushing through life and stressing so much that I had been missing many beautiful and precious things that God has placed right in front of me.
The only thing I really wanted for Christmas this year was to slow down and enjoy my family. In the middle of the chaos called “working college student”, I wanted to be able to have time that was not rushed without any pressing deadlines to meet, just unbothered time with the people I love.
Side note: I realize that when reading the line, “In the middle of the chaos called “working college student”...” some of you may have laughed or thought to yourself “if she thinks that’s chaos...” Yes, life will only get busier in the years to come. But in this season of life, it feels chaotic. Learning to balance school, work, and church has not been the easiest task for me.
One thing I haven’t mentioned yet is the Philippines trip. You see, I was supposed to be leaving for the Philippines on January 7, 2019. LaGrange College gave me an incredible opportunity to travel abroad during JanTerm or MayMester, and I chose the Philippines on a whim last March. Through prayer and discussion with my family, I felt like God was not calling me to go. At the beginning of December, I finally reached a final decision. I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders when I made the decision to stay home. Not only do I get a long break from school, but I have been presented with many other unique opportunities right here at home.
This Christmas I got to relax and enjoy all of my family, and I get to continue that into the month of January.
So I urge you, take time to slow down. Enjoy where you’re at, with the people around you, and take it all in. Life doesn’t slow down, but you can.
I sincerely hope and pray that you and your family had a very Merry Christmas, and that 2019 brings much joy and many blessings to you.
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