It’s hard to believe that in 72 days I will be graduating from College. Something I never thought I would do. When I was a teenager gym and study hall were my favorite classes. In my twenties, my attempts at college focused around technology. For the last three years my favorite classes have been my religious studies. Who would have ever thought this rebellious tomboy, soccer playing, lost girl would ever find peace among her studies. Not me!
When I was younger I thought about being a gym teacher, because I loved gym class and sports. When I was in high school I thought about being a social worker, because I had survived and I wanted others to know they will survive too. Then in 2009 when everything in life seemed to be on track, life began to change. Some of my worst nightmares became reality and in the midst of everything my heart and gentle whispers from God were telling me it was time for some big change in my life.
I never could understand why God wanted to take away everything that seemed “so good”. In the beginning when I decided to go back to college it was for 3 main reasons: one, I was tired of being told I wasn’t smart enough to do my job because I didn’t have a college degree; two, I wanted to finish something I started many years ago and three (the most important); I wanted to set an example for my boys that dreams, goals, whatever you put your mind and heart into can really come true. I was and still am trying to teach them; no matter how many times you fail at something, if you really want it keep trying. Failure is only a stepping stone to success.
I might have had certain reasons to go back to college in 2009, but now fast forward to present day with graduation only 72 days away and I can tell you I now know, I am smart enough. I didn’t really need a degree to tell me that. But somewhere along the way I lost sight of who I was. I let insecure people get under my skin and I once again lost myself. The other two reasons still resonate with me and there is so much more. College gave me back the confidence I had lost. My studies opened my heart.
I am not sure what I will do after graduation. It seems as if God has yet to reveal the plan to me. But I hope to continue to inspire people to keep moving forward. Share Love (agape) whenever and where ever you can. When you fall, pick yourself up or find someone to help you up. Find faith at your own pace. When you seem to have lost all hope, know that you are not alone. It takes courage and strength to move forward each day and with God (Love) all things are possible.
I will leave you with this verse. One that definitely has stayed with me through my college years:
Ezekiel 36:26 New International Version (NIV)
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Luv, Luv,
Julie
