seventeen

Another year has come and gone. 

  

On Monday I celebrated my seventeenth birthday, and I can hardly believe how the time flies. It seems like just yesterday that I was counting down the days to my tenth birthday, yet here I am celebrating seventeen wonderful years of life. This past year has been a year of learning, growing, laughter, and tears. A year of growing closer to the Lord.

Memories of earlier years come flooding to my mind. Playing spy. Riding pigs. Sneaking through the woods while playing capture the flag. Building snow forts. Those years seemed so simple...so carefree. It's interesting to see how priorities change as I've gotten older. In time that I used to use for playing outdoors or having tea parties with dolls, I now spend in school work, planning Bright Lights meetings, working outside, or taking pictures. Yet even looking back at the simplicity of that earlier stage of life, I still wouldn't trade it for what I have now. I've found that getting older isn't just about a change in priorities, it's also about taking on new responsibilities, learning new things, and growing in the Lord.

Growing up can bring mixed emotions. On the one hand, I'm excited about the future and where the Lord will lead me. On the other hand, growing up can be a complicated process! There are so many decisions, unanswered questions, and uncertainties. But the Lord is faithful and I know that He will guide me no matter what I may have to face. I love this stage of life...but then again I'll be saying that 20 years from now too.

"For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;

His faithfulness continues through all generations."
Psalm 100:5