Finality.

Well, here it is—the week of classes. In honor of finality, I feel as though I need to write something extremely compelling or fantastically wonderfully. But at the same time, my poor, frazzled brain feels no such desire. So we shall see where this particular post ends up in a few paragraphs.

There is so much emotion that goes into the last week of classes. For starters, everyone is extremely tired in all aspects (emotionally, mentally, and physically) and just wants a few more hours of sleep. On the other hand, everyone is driven by the dream of going home for Christmas—a dream filled with cookies, home-cooked meals, Christmas music, family traditions, crackling fires, and of course, adequate sleep. We find ourselves so driven by the latter that a hidden inner strength wells up within and allows us to give one last push to the finish line. It hurts, but it always happens. Sure, we all may not look that nice by the end of the week—circles under the eyes, disheveled hair, forgotten make-up and all. We may be a bit more dazed, grumpy, and confused (at least this is how I personally feel). But! The semester always comes to an end, one way or the other.

For me, this marks my last official semester as a Northland student—no, I’m not graduating. That would be way too simple. You have to throw in a few semesters of sitting out to work to save money, moving back to school as a married student, and then a whole mess in transferring schools. I’m excited to step into my next phase of schooling—Liberty online. As much as I will miss the classroom—I think that I will enjoy the flexibility of finishing online. I look forward to stepping up in role as a Graphic Designer at Northland and training my intern (a.k.a. my replacement for next year). And I can’t wait to see my husband walk this spring. 

Looking back on this past semester, I cannot help but be grateful for how God has provided for us to be here working on our education and learning more about Him in the process. I have loved and learned so much from each of my classes this semester. I have learned things about myself, my husband, and other relationships—both good and to work on. I have loved decorating, cooking, and cleaning in our little apartment. I have cherished memories with our close friends (more like family) at church. There have been so many instances where He has blessed us above and beyond through unexpected means. To pair with that, there have been a few unexpected challenges—primarily the weird limbo between being married and still a student. But I have grown the most from those lonely, challenging, disheartened, humbled, or frustrated times. And that is why I am so thankful for God’s hand on our lives—where he currently has us and where he is taking us. 

So now, I’m going to return to an enjoyable, relaxing evening with Andrew—soaking in that feeling of turning in my last piece of homework (for now). I think I’ll light my “Christmas Morning Latte” candle, turn on the Christmas tree lights, make some cocoa, and finish our advent challenge for the day. It just wouldn’t be that peaceful if it weren’t for that great feeling of finality. I have set out to accomplish a task and it is done (or almost done—I typically don’t count Finals week). But most of all, I take away the reminder of my inability to accomplish anything apart from God’s will and power working in my life. He alone is what makes it truly worthwhile and meaningful.