23.

Today I turned 23 years old. I can't believe it. The year from 22 to 23 has been a memorable one, to say the least. It was my first year out of college and I must say that I learned more in my first year or so out of college than I did in the entirety of my collegiate career. I think that is so because my first year out of college is when I truly felt the sting of life.

Now don't get me wrong, my life is sweet. I wake up knowing that I have a job to go to everyday, where my next meal will come from and that I get to walk this life with wondeful people. But, with all of that aside, I feel like this past year has tested me, more than ever. My endurance, faith and character have been challenged in ways that I had not experienced before. Some of the circumstances led to immediate victory, while others left me flat on my face. A lot of the circumstances left me feeling very confused. I was struggling with wrapping my mind around this new chapter of my life. Some of you reading this might have made the adjustment with effortless ease, and for that I commend you, but for me that was not the case. I found it difficult to understand where I was going. What was I meant to do in this life? Who was I supposed to be?

In the midst of my questioning and confusion, God allowed this year to be one of the sweetest in my walk as a Christian. I probably made more mistakes in my 22nd year of life than all the others before it, but He is still so good. He draped His love, forgiveness and guidance like I had never experienced before. And, I think this year was so special to me because I finally realized that I didn't deserve Him. He is so, so good and I don't deserve Him.

With all of that being said, I am really excited about this year. I feel renewed. I feel I have learned a lot. Like, you have to laugh at life. Each day is new and exciting and if we're not excited about today then today is most likely being spent focusing on situations that only God can change, or ourselves. NEVER assume. We only get one life. So, if we're not investing in other people then will we, I, really be satisfied? And finally, I've learned to love my past. This last lesson is very personal. There are so many things in my past that I have struggled to forgive myself for, and that have caused me struggle accepting God's forgiveness. But, I've learned that the things in my past are beautiful because they have led me closer to a beautiful Savior.

I'm thankful for this year, the people in it and the lessons I have learned. This year was one of a kind, rough, hard and confusing... but I wouldn't trade it for anything.