When you're sixteen, and you ponder what life will be like when you're finally grown up, look beautiful, and are in the magical 'twenties', you picture life moments. Graduations, engagements, wedding dress shopping, getting a first real job... but I also pictured little things like wondering if I'd have enough money to buy shampoo, and eating out with friends, and my own professional-grown-up apartment. The past few months have been full to the seams of these kinds of life moments.
Student Teaching in AP US History.
Miranda and Roper getting engaged.
One weekend, I attended the beautiful Esther's senior thesis reading and enjoyed lots of poetry and short stories. The next day I was in Houston with Miranda and we bought a wedding dress.
Teaching Sunday School.
Having my car overheat on 59 while Allie and I were on the way home from Bible study (Betty's in her old age and its showing).
Stepping right from student teaching into a 9th grade non-pre-AP World Geography class which had lacked a good bit of discipline and perhaps some important instruction from August to November 7.
Singing in The Messiah with my Bible study girls and the SFA Choirs (including some faces/voices that make me feel like I'm home).
Not being in love, and trying to give up that idol of a future husband.
Alycia's graduation.
Smelling an all too familiar cologne at the exact spot that a high school sweetheart used to wait for me after school while walking to my very own classroom.
Allie & Esther's graduation and Christmas at Maw and Paw's that same day.
Missing Sarah's wedding for that Christmas and graduation.
Getting lost in the spiritual desert with a cold, cold heart.
Having affections again.
Struggling like Atlas with issues of education, war, and anti-intellectualism in the church, and dealing with the fact that no one else seems to really care what's right or wrong.
Trying to figure out how grace and discipline work together.
My little sister's 20th birthday.
Reconciling not being about to go to Passion.
Comfortable, familiar, and loving touches between friends at church.
The smell of sweaters, hot chocolate, and the first time you turn on the heat for winter.
Accepting that while I know my two best friends a lot better than their soon-to-be husbands do, that they belong to God, and he is allowing them to be given into the care of these two men, and there's nothing I can do, or should do, to change that.
Living back at home with the parents, and weighing the pros and cons (mostly pros).
Being engrossed in a new book series.
Respecting and adoring an old favorite teacher on a new level as she becomes boss and colleague.
Realizing how arrogant, cynical, and annoying I can be.
Getting a paycheck that's bigger than three digits for the first time.
Great conversations at Starbucks, during long car rides, at IHOP, and in living rooms.
Planning what's next... teaching overseas or just in Dallas or East Texas? Master's degree or doctorate?
Reading a blog that makes me feel like I'm not alone in my life pursuits, and reminding me that life is to be lived to the fullest, and that living in rooted in the Lord is worth it.
And luckily, I have always been able to afford shampoo.
