And just like that, the first semester of my junior year of college (thx dual enrollment) is over. It's had its struggles just like any other semester, but overall, it has been exciting, educating, and most of all, new.
New. I feel that is the best way to describe the season of life I am in right now. New friends, new job, new minor. God has brought so much new into my life that I am learning more how to appreciate His consistency. With all of the new, He stays the same and yet at the same time brings fresh knowledge daily. He shows me more of who He has created me to be everyday, and yet, that girl is the girl I have known all of my life.
I recently accepted an internship at the UT Press, and it is truly a dream come true to be working for a book publishing company while still in college. The Lord placed this opportunity right in front of me, and there is no doubt it was Him. When I was in third grade, I used to check out a book from the school library in the morning, read it during the school day in between assignments, and then turn it back in at the end of the day. Then I would check out another book and read it at home that night and turn it in the next morning. It was a never-ending cycle of reading two books a day. This is also around the time I decided I myself wanted to be a writer. The little girl who read two books a day now works for a book publisher. God is kind like that, to create us with specific passions that He wants to use for His glory. (Also there may have been a few times in class where my teacher told me to stop reading and pay attention. I guess there are worse things to get in trouble for).
God also blessed me this semester with more friends who love Him and seek His face daily. We worship together, lift each other up, and remind one another of who we are in Jesus.
You may be thinking, "Leslie, people get internships and new friends in college all of the time. It is not this big of a deal." But, I feel with God every little moment holds large significance, and if we aren't careful, we can miss it.
The people of Bethlehem were so busy caring about their usual lives that they totally missed the fact that God Himself literally came into the world. The Messiah laid in a manger in their very city, perhaps for some just a few blocks away, and instead they stayed right where they were.
That sure was new. Jesus came so that the old could pass away and He could make all things new. Maybe your semester hasn't been exciting, maybe it seems like the same old, same old. Well, friend, I am so happy to tell you that if you will simply seek Jesus today, He can make your mundane life seem new because life with Him is unlike anything else. Your life cannot just stay the same when He comes on the scene.
"And He that sat upon the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new." And He said unto me, 'Write: for these words are true and faithful.'" Revelation 21:5 KJV.
I love what God is doing in my life right now, and even though it may not be exactly what I expected my junior year of college to look like, it has been exactly what I needed during this time. I recently saw a post by Emma Mae Jenkins where she said, "Hope for the best and expect the Lord to exceed it." This really stuck out to me with everything God has been doing in my life lately. He definitely has exceeded my expectations in the friends and internship department.
Saying goodbye to Fall Semester 2019 is a bit bittersweet. I love the nights where my new friends say they are about to leave and end up staying another hour because we just can't stop laughing. I love the mornings I spend drinking coffee and reading the Word of God in the silence of my empty apartment. I even love the long days I spend going to five classes where I study English and Hebrew, two subjects I am so passionate about. I love the weekends I go home and eat cookie dough with my nephew. But I am ready for the new normal that next semester will bring.
I am ending this semester with a full heart, and I give all glory to God for every single moment. Here's to next semester!
Outfit Details:
Sweater- Target
Jeans- Free People
Shoes: Local Boutique (don't remember which one)