Recently, I’ve been kind of forced into going through things that have been in storage since I graduated college; that’s been almost five years ago.  I even sorted boxes of things that represent my childhood and high school days.  I’m utterly amazed at some of what I’ve held onto for this long, things that I thought were really important (and let’s be honest, at the time, they were).  

My college boxes were probably the most random of things packed together.  Which makes sense, because most of my college days had very little order about them.  I found notes that were passed during Spanish class, cards that were sent through campus mail by friends, and even notes that had been left on my keyboard from one pretty awesome roommate.  The things I laughed at the most were the things I wrote.  I came across the first piece of serious writing I attempted and giggled out loud at the thought of who the main characters represented.  I’m not gonna lie, it was hard not to be impressed with myself for writing a multi-chapter book while still in high school.  Old prayer journals were found and I belly laughed at the things I asked God for.  Knowing what I know now, I am so incredibly thankful that He said no to so much of that.  He could have given all of that to me and I’m certain that I would be miserable in it by now! 

I should probably burn most of what I found, but maybe I’ll keep it a little longer.  Maybe I’ll use those old journals as a reminder of how gracious God is to give me what I need, rather than what I think I want.  I’m learning that when it felt like He was saying “no”, He was really saying “yes” to things and dreams I couldn’t see yet…