my season of rest, friends, and fellowship.

It was harder to leave home this time around because of the bonds that I was able to strengthen this summer.

God, in His omniscience, really showed me that it's His plans. Not mine. My plan for this summer was to take part in a journalism internship and get my driver's license -- both of which did not happen. In hindsight, I'm thankful God did that.

I'm thankful that I was able to spend the summer, resting. Something I realized I won't be able to freely do this upcoming school year, now that I have an idea of what will be on my plate.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't just lounge around my house the whole summer. If I could put this in a numerical perspective, I spent 50% of my summer at church, 20% hanging out with Peyton, 15% with friends, 10% with my family/Yuro, and 5% actually just having glorious 'me time'.

Oftentimes, I forget that God allows us to rest. I mean, God gave Himself a day to rest after He created everything. Granted, I've been so used to being 'busy', that just knowing that I could be stretching my limits at this moment - but not doing so - didn't feel right most days. However, I also remembered that the constant 'grind time' during school left me feeling burnt out. I needed these three months to rejuvenate my spirit - and what better way to do that than by surrounding myself with a familiar company!

It was one of the best summers that I will truly cherish, because not only was I able to love on the friends that I've missed, but also meet new friends along the way! Especially since it's been over a year since the beginning of the pandemic, the ability to see my friends in itself was a HUGE blessing.

As much as I would love to write in full detail, the experiences that I had this summer, I feel like I should spare you the long read.

VBS. Bible Studies. Worship. Mall. Picnics. Rollerskating. Family. Friends.

My heart is full and my spirit is rested.

Bring it on, sophomore year of college.