Now that I'm home

I'm home for the summer now, and finally ready for it, I think. It's always quite a change coming back here from school. Things at home are good, but definitely different. During the first couple weeks of transition, I almost always find myself doing a lot of thinking about where I've come from, what I've learned, how I've changed, who I am, and where I'm going.

I think one of the biggest challenges for me (and those around me) is adjusting to the ways I've changed over the course of the year. I can confidently say that this year has been an important one, and that I can see many ways in which God has made me more like Christ. I've also changed a lot in my thinking about certain things, and have even picked up a couple new mannerisms (though not on purpose!). I look on those things and am deeply grateful for all of them, because I'm excited about the person I'm growing into. Still, this makes me a bit unfamiliar to some, and they aren't quite as grateful for some of the changes as I am. Even though I'm always me and there's a lot that doesn't change, I've run into people who want me exactly the way they remember me.

It's a tricky thing to be told that who you are isn't really you, and that they'll break you of these things that are new. It can leave you wondering if what they say is true (even if, in your heart of hearts, you know it's not).

My prayer for this summer is to be able to take things like this in stride, trusting God to continue teaching me and making me more and more like Christ. I want to be receptive to those who have known me a very long time and still be true to who God is making me. And I pray that I will be a blessing to them.