Hello, my friends-
I hope this note finds you with happy hearts.
Maybe you're relaxing inside your home...
... or outside raking leaves
... or tucked into a booth at a coffee shop
... or taking a walk around your neighborhood.
---Whatever you're doing, I hope that you're enjoying today.
I don't blog very often. I'm o.k. with that. However, sometimes it just seems like typing out some words might be a good idea. To be honest, I don't know what I'm going to type today. I suppose we will just find out.
Back in August, I moved to Orange City... a place that I like to describe as a thriving metropolis. OK, it's not exactly that. OK, it's not that at all. I do appreciate it for what it is, though. It's a small town with trees, sidewalks, homes, parks...
During my first couple of weeks here, I would ride my bike around a lot. I had some free time before I started at my job. I had hours to be spend on my two wheels, riding around...
While riding, I remember thinking "There has to be people here my age." Also, I remember thinking "Jesus, show them to me or I will find them myself." I would like to think it was determination... other people might call it being stubborn or demanding.
Whatever may be the case, I did meet some great people and they have been a gift.
I think what has been the most challenging about this season has been learning to be the new kid. Sure, when you go to college, everything is new. However, there are 350 other people that are experiencing a very similar new.
Nobody has really caused me to feel this way. It's more so just a self-awareness that I have most days. I have to admit, it's hard sometimes.
...but, you know what?
I'm thankful for it.
It's humbling to be the new kid.
It's something that forces you to be brave. Others don't know you, know your heart... yet. So, you have to put yourself out there. The other option would be to hide and honestly, my timid heart would rather choose that most days.
I'm thankful because there has to be others out there that are learning or will learn the same lessons from being the new kid. Because I'm having these experiences, I can relate to them. I can understand what they're feeling, at least to some point.
Maybe someday I can speak into the life of a 20-something and say "Hey, I've been there. It can be hard... but, guess what? God is good. It gets better."
Even now, I'm reminded and comforted to know that Jesus is here. He's saying the same things to me- "Hey, Justine. I've been there. People didn't know me, didn't know my heart. Some still don't... but, I put myself out there. It's hard, but there are good things to come."
So, that's what Sunday at 1:45 p.m. looks for me.
Sending you a smile and a hug wherever you are.
Be well,
Justine
