Thursday, August 28, 2008

Growing Pains

I feel like most new bloggers always start their blog off with a disclaimer of some sorts, so here is mine. I am a “newbie” at this, please be nice to me.

Ok, now that’s out of the way, let’s move on….
Growing pains; and no, I am not referring to the popular TV show from the mid 80s, early 90s with Kirk Cameron. Nor the pains you experienced growing up that would make your legs ache so badly that your mom would assure you that you were not dying, it was just a sign that you were getting taller. The type of “growing pains” that I am referring to is the very necessary pains in life, but all too often the same pains that we try so hard to avoid, to escape. You see, lately, I feel like I have been experiencing growing pain after growing pain. I think a lot of it has to do with this age that I am at. The age where college is no longer able to provide you with a false sense of responsibility and freedom, but the age where you have a full time job, you are out on your own, away from mama and daddy, paying your own bills, making out your own grocery lists, and I could go on. It’s the age that everyone must go through. For some people it is welcomed, and for others it’s more like, “Ok, this is the next step in life, I know I have to take it, but do I really?”
Recently, I took a job that required me to relocate. At first, I was so excited to be getting out of the small town I am from, out from under my parents “roof,” and really “spreading my wings.” Little did I realize how much growing would take place and how somewhat painful it would be in the process. Over the last month, I have seen my self not just step out of my comfort zone, but really LEAP over it. Mind you, it has taken a multitude of prayers, tons of encouragement from amazing people in my life, and a few shed tears.
However, reflecting back over the past month, I can honestly say that these “growing pains” have really opened my eyes to see that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought possible.
So, now, instead of wondering where the “easy button” is or reaching for that Aleve to help take my “growing pains” away, I say bring it on! I am ready to see what else I am capable of that I never thought possible. I am ready to see what new things I can accomplish.
God has made Himself abundantly clear through this entire process, even from the very beginning when I first started looking for new jobs. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that where I am at in this season of my life is exactly where He wants me to be, growing pains and all.

“and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.”
Proverbs 31:25 (the Message)