I tried to feel around for ideas of what these lists could be, the suggestions were foods I'm going to miss and foods I'm going to eat so suffice it all to say I am obviously a foodie. And I chose neither of these options for either of today's lists. My apologies.
For my 8 days left list I want to share 8 important things I learned this summer. About life, about God, and about myself. This summer was epic, as you know, and I want to articulate (probably more for my own benefit down the road than anyone else's) how grateful and blessed I am for every experience I've had in the past 4 months. So, here we go with...
8 important lessons I learned this summer
In no particular order
How much I value my experiences and education from Butler-
even though I'm terrified of the extensive amount of student-loan-debt I acquired, the tears I shed as I left my senior house and my dear friends and roommates after graduation were truly the first time I can remember just crying because I was so filled with love and sadness at the same time. This summer was a summer of lots of these types of cries.
whether you're flipping patties, brewing java, or serving 10 pound trays of $20 steaks, everyone should work in the food/customer service world at some point in life. It is hard. I loved it probably just because I love talking to people.. including strangers.. but this summer I worked harder than I ever have, sweated more than anyone ever should in public, and most importantly I know how to serve a customer and be a great customer. Both of which are super important.
funny enough, Spain isn't going to be the first time I was apprehensive about taking an adventure this summer. When I signed up to be a counselor at Camp Adventure back in March I was pumped to get to spend a week in the "wilderness". But, as the week drew closer I honestly was dreading it. I knew 1 person going into the week, and all of a sudden realized I had sacrificed my only week of vacation from my job, to barely shower and hang out with 100 junior high kids.
It was one of the best weeks of my life. I was able to totally and completely be myself, let my guard down, and just love Jesus in one of my favorite places on earth; not only this, but I know that the hand of God had placed me in that system of support for our family's tragedy that would happen at the end of the week.
I am truly blessed to have such beautiful, talented, and hilarious friends. It's so important to surround yourself not only with people that lift you up and support you, but who also bring out that raw, tear-streaming smile that only comes from a good gut laugh. Watching The Heat will also accomplish this goal if no friends are around.
Tell people how much they mean to you-
after graduating college and now getting ready to leave home for a year I have had to say some hard goodbyes. I have always felt that I express myself better in writing than spoken word, but before I leave I am making a point to reach out in some way to those who have influenced my life, so that they know they are loved. For me, nothing is more precious than an unexpected note or shout-out from a friend, so I love having the chance to do that for others.
Spend time reading-
I know actually finding time to read for pleasure is difficult, but I have tried hard this summer to budget time for reading, and crossing books off my "to-read" list is such a great feeling!! I recommend: Gone Girl, Blue Like Jazz, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (obviously).
Don't let your happiness depend on other people-
easier said than done, and probably one you think is a no-brainer, but time and time again I learn this lesson the hard way. As a people pleaser, I take rejection very personally an am ultra-sensitive to other people's happiness or unhappiness. I think I've gotten better at being in charge of my happiness, but it never hurts to be reminded that YOU are the one who chooses to be happy. Don't let others make that decision for you.
Let your worship be between just you and God-
this might seem to come out of nowhere, but in lieu of my awesome camp experience this summer...
I have always kind of been uncomfortable in situations where people would close their eyes and raise their hands during a worship service. Then, one morning before the campers arrived, one of the worship leaders stressed how worship should be an intimate moment between you and God, and how closing your eyes can help to close out the world and not worry about what others around you are doing or seeing. Taking his advice, I have been able to truly be present in worshiping WITH God. Because when I close my eyes it's just He and I and in those moments no one else matters.
There you have it! Come back tomorrow for something fun! We're in the home-stretch y'all!
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