Surprising Seasons of Growth

Today, July 2, 2014, marks two years since I moved out of my parents’ house. I can’t believe it! I never expected to be one of the first two of my siblings to strike out on my own. Well, not on my own exactly. I live with my twin sister, but I have my own bedroom. That’s a first!

Moving out was one of the biggest changes in my life. At barely 19, I was about five years younger than I thought I would be before the move was possible. At first, when my parents were looking at apartments, I didn’t think I was ready. Maybe they didn’t either. At any rate, my parents knew that it was the best option for me. I moved to an apartment close to my church and one campus of the university I planned to attend that fall. It was a good fit, so I made the difficult, but exciting transition into young adulthood.

It hasn’t come without growing pains. I’ve been forced to learn how to cope with loneliness. When you live in a house with five siblings and share a room with two of them, you are never alone! When I first moved out, it was summer, so I wasn’t in school yet. I don’t have a job. I hated the silence and the time alone. I tried to keep busy as best I could, but it was still difficult. I still prefer company over being alone, but I’m learning how to enjoy that time. I listen to lots of music and audio drama. (Adventures in Odyssey is not just for kids) I read, I write, watch TV, pray. I basically do anything I did in my parent’s house. That being said, I have to be much more intentional about how I spend my day. I could waste it by binge watching Netflix. My parents aren’t watching. But that wouldn’t be constructive to me or anyone else. It also wouldn’t glorify God.

I have also become more intentional with my friendships. I realized early on that if I didn’t seek out my friends, I would be stuck in my apartment all by myself. This isn’t high school anymore. I don’t see my friends every day. Now I call friends as much or more than I text them and set up coffee dates whenever possible. It’s important to me to keep my friendships strong. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.” (NKJV) Friendships are valuable. I love my friends and I desire to be there for them.

This desire also extends to my family. I go to my parent’s house for dinner as much as I can. It’s great to play with my youngest siblings and enjoy everyone’s company Those evenings are great, and I plan on keeping them going. It keeps us close.

Another verse in Proverbs comes to mind now.

"A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps."

(Proverbs 16:9, NKJV)

I didn’t think I would be here right now, but God planned it to force me to grow. He ushered me into this season of new adventures before I could turn back. I can’t wait to see what happens next.