A New Place. A New Year. A New Journey.

Today marks the 24 hour mark that I have been officially living on my own. Grocery shopping for myself has emerged as a more difficult task than I had thought. The convenience of the Sundial just a few steps away made me realize how spoiled I was. Being more on my own has had me thinking for the last hour.

I came to the realization that I was relying on my friends to help me along the way, this includes my spiritual growth. I have been using them as a crutch to help guide me in the right directions. This summer, God has revealed so much to me. I am so incredibly blessed with all that he has shown me. Today,  I felt him showing me that I need to rely on him more, and my friends less. This doesn’t mean that I kick them out of my life, but look to him more during the good, the bad, and the ugly. I feel like I only truly look to him when I need something. I need to look to God in all aspects of my life and during every obstacle that presents itself along the way.

I spend possibly too much time with friends and family and perhaps not enough time by myself developing my relationship with Christ. While I have always found friendship an aid along the way, I now realize it can also be an obstacle. God is wanting me to accept him as my friend. He wants me to seek that loyalty and love from him just like I do from my friends. This is only the beginning of this journey for me, but realizing the obstacle will only help me overcome it even faster. This is the year God and I become the best of friends.

I am so excited for what He has in store for me this school year. I have no doubt that even bigger challenges will present themselves, but those are the moments God wants me to work on and He will be encouraging me to go to him in those times of need. Good things lie ahead and I cannot wait to encounter them. I know that when I think I am alone, God is there with me. He will get me through this year, through all the tears, the smiles, the difficult, and the JOY.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9