by Martha June

Confession time,

I am a 17 year old afraid to “grow up.” (Did I really just say that?!) This realization hit me a couple weeks ago when someone said: “you’re going to be graduating a year from today!” As long as I can remember I have wanted and looked forward to the day I would be a senior. Now I’m not so sure I am looking forward to it. Don’t get me wrong; I really want to graduate and be done with school, I am just realizing that after senior year nothing will be the same.

As a kid I loved the idea of Neverland and being on an island with peter pan, wendy, hook, and never growing up, my world never changing. (I know, my maturity level is low) After I graduate the rest of my life starts. The Lord called me to one day be a missionary. Honestly, I don’t know how long he will keep me on the mission field, where, and when.  Yet I can confidently say he did call me. Being away from my family for a long period of time has me wanting to hold onto them as tight as I can.

For father’s day, my family and I went out to my Grandparents house ( My favorite place on earth!) I drove out by myself after work enjoying the hot weather, windows down, country scenery,  and “burning house” by Cam. I couldn’t wait to get there! Next thing I know I am on the verge of tears thinking “I can’t leave this place, these people, and these moments behind.”

Then this image I had seen on facebook months ago popped into my head.

I was so wrong to think I would be leaving it behind. I will still have the place, people, and moments in my heart. I will be gaining so much more than I ever would have thought I was “losing.”

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask, or think, according to the power at work in us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20

As I sat there and contemplated this new thought every “do not fear for I am with you” verse I know flew through my head. I learned a huge lesson in those few moments about my unnecessary anxiety.

God never intends for us to stay where we are. Physically, emotionally, spiritually we are supposed to move on and mature to be more like him.

“when I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

“For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:13

One of my biggest wants in life is to look like Christ in every way I can. yet, that can’t happen until I grow up. I am realizing now what a privilege it is to grow up physically and spiritually, and I am so ready to give up my childish ways. I know it requires sacrifice and a willingness to cut off the “unwanted branches” but the reward will be greater than I could ever “ask, seek, or imagine.”

Sincerely,

never stop growing