Augusts

I can't believe it's already August. August 11th, at that. This August is different than many of the Augusts I've experienced, especially those of the past two years. For me, August has been the time of many transitions, hellos and goodbyes, new beginnings.

6 Augusts ago (2004), I was making my first big move-- from Knoxville, TN to Columbia, SC-- to begin college. I was yearning for independence and beginning a pattern of change that has yet to stop.

The next three Augusts weren't quite as exciting, but still brought at least a little change, mainly just moving between dorms, apartments, and a rental house.

But the past two Augusts have been huge for me, defining points in my life, I'd say.

Two years ago around this time, I graduated from college and said goodbye to Young Life, my sorority, and math (which I wasn't so sad about). Three days after graduation, I boarded a plane for Galati, Romania, to join a servant team with Word Made Flesh for four months, where I met some of the most remarkable people I have ever known and found my heart in a way I never could have anticipated.

And just a year ago, I left Columbia for good. I loaded up my car and road-tripped across the country with my friend Kelli. I ended the trip-- and stayed-- in Seattle and started a divinity program... something I never planned on doing.

And now it's August again. I'm still in Seattle, still working on my Masters, and still living in the apartment I moved into a year ago. This is the first August in 6 years that I haven't at least moved boxes into a new place.

No move, no big change, no transition. And it feels good. I like this August. Its changelessness is comforting, yet still dynamic and alive. It doesn't feel stale or dead; it just feels right. I like where I am, and although I doubt this will be my last stop, it's a good stop, and I'm thankful to be here.