I’m thinking of ways I can make this coming semester enjoyable, different. It looks like the job I was hoping for isn’t going to come through, which means I’ll still be working at the deli. After 3 years and 3 months, I definitely feel done with the restaurant business. But here I am still.
I trust God. I guess I need to wait here until the next door opens, and when it does– oh, I’ll jump at it. But so long as I remain at the deli, I’ll be in school, and I only have 4 more credit hours to complete before I receive my Associate’s.
So maybe I’ll take piano this semester. Maybe American Literature. I want to do whatever I can do to enjoy this season. I did not enjoy last semester very much, and in fact I was convinced that come 2016 I would be able to leave my workplace and move on to something bigger and more honorable, more impressive. But God moves in unlikely places through unlikely people with an unlikely strategy (Christine Caine said that, and I love it).
My best friend is getting married this September. I’m thrilled to help plan the occasion. I’ve probably spent more time online looking at dresses and flowers and checklists than she has at this point.
I think about love and dating and marriage often. I think about what I want in a relationship and to be honest, I’m afraid of being disappointed. I care about how he will be received by my family. I care about how he will talk to Starbucks baristas and Target cashiers and Chili’s waiters. I care that he will take interest in my friends– genuine interest. I care that he loves God and seeks Him above all else. I care that he will be honest and kindhearted and aware and hardworking and fun.
And I know that God is the God of the immeasurably more (Ephesians 3:20).
I wonder where I’ll be at this new year’s close– vocationally, relationally, and academically. I do expect 2016 to bring change. I anticipate forward motion. I thirst for new life. I believe for immeasurably more. And after all these words have been spilled onto my keyboard I choose to say: 2016, you’re brimming with hope.