School's out for the. . . SUMMER!!

Summer is my favorite time of year. There is so much about it that makes me happy: the constant sunshine, the long, carefree days, no assignments, pools, lakes, picnics... the list is endless really. So, these last few weeks of school I was frantically finishing my last assignments and doing everything in my power to force myself into the dark air-conditioned classrooms. I took little time to think about much besides "the light at the end of the tunnel".
And finally, I finished my last assignment of my next-to-last semester of seminary last Thursday at about 1:30 a.m. This was a strange semester because I didn't have any final exams. All of my professors had us do final projects/papers and so I didn't have that extra week of stress that my fellow students are going through right now. Today was the very last class I had to attend and as I went in I wasn't thinking about much besides the fact that I was finished and it was FINALLY summer. I was just there to sit through the last presentations and say a couple of goodbyes.
However, as things were wrapping up I began to quickly realize that I wasn't ready for the semester to end. I had not thought about the fact that I wouldn't see many of my classmates again. Some will be going to countries all over the world, others will be moving back to their home states, and others I just won't see due to differing lives and schedules. As everyone was packing up and saying their quick goodbyes I got a little sad. I wanted to make a way to see each one of them again before I leave Friday night for a two week trip to Ecuador. But this was obviously impossible, so I covered up my disappointment with a few quick hugs and waves with promises to stay in touch.
Life is like this sometimes. We get so swamped with just trying to keep our heads above the water due to multiple assignments and work stress that we forget there are people, really sweet important people, in our lives everyday that we are rubbing shoulders with. I could be learning from these people, enjoying them, embracing the little moments and instead I'm running out the door stressing about what I have to do tonight and tomorrow. And before I realize it the days are gone and so are the chances to enjoy those people.
I hope that this will serve as a reminder for me to cherish moments and friendships while I can. But I also must embrace the inevitable change that comes with this phase of life. God is my strength, fortress and rock. He is the one who never changes and it is with his strength that I have the energy to love those around me.
Those are my thoughts for the day.


For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:. . . a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1&2