The Sum of All Parts

Changing Seasons. I have never really thought about what that means. As the title of my blog, you would assume that I know all about it. Yet, truth be told, I am simply in the midst of it. Life is full of changing seasons. What would we be if all we ever did was walk around knowing just what to expect all the time. I am learning that changing seasons aren't simply a good thing, they are a necessary thing.

The first change that I am seeing in my life is the fact that at the end of this month, I will be an aunt to a 13 year old young man, the sweetest 6 year old, and the most determined 2-almost 3-year old. This in itself is hard to believe. For the longest time, Bradly has been my link to childhood. Being born to older parents, and having much older siblings does not exactly promote an immature child. Bradly always brought me back down to that, and I will never question if it was a good or bad thing. Hitting, pushing, punching, teasing, loving, adoring, being proud of, and watching someone younger than me grow has been quite an experience; and an honor to say the least. As for Brodie and Brenner, well, I am still their aunty and will always be proud of them and love them. But, neither of them have been the little brother to me that Bradly has. To say that I feel old knowing that he is 13 would be an understatement. He is my first 'Changing Season.'

 My second change is my family as a whole. Well, summing up my family is nearly impossible. I love them so dearly and that will never change. However, as I am growing up, my mother has transitioned to one of my best friends. She is no longer "parenting" me, but just talking to me about life and I am learning from her and listening to her. Her wisdom has blessed me and I am excited to say that I now call her friend! As for my sister, the same has happened. She is now one of my best friends. I knew that she always would be but to be able to relate to her better by being an adult has definitely brought us closer together. My father and I have always had an interesting relationship. I know that he loves me and is abundantly proud of me and that is exactly what I have needed all of these years. He is one of my biggest advocates and I know that full well. The change going on in my family is not a bad thing, in fact, it is quite the opposite. It is the natural flow of life. It is just new. This is my second 'Changing Season.'

The third change is Noah. Our relationship is always growing and I am continuing to learn so many reasons why I love him, care for him, respect him, and look forward to every day with him. I say that he is a changing season for the following reason: I am in a "serious relationship." I have always thought that saying a serious relationship was so cliche and not something I was ever going to do. But, when compared to my other relationships, Noah surpasses them all. From being able to talk to him about anything, to talking about marriage, Noah and I have the kind of relationship that I still can not believe I am old enough to have. He is easily my best friend and I am so excited to see where the Lord continues to take us. But, being at a stage in life where it is not uncommon to be talking about weddings and the possibility of spending my life with someone continues to amaze me. Noah, is a 'Changing Season.'

 My fourth and final season has to do with States. And by states, I mean Washington. I suppose thought that is is not necessarily the state itself, all be it beautiful, but the people that are in that state. To say that my friends at Northwest University have changed my life would not even come close to the actual impact that they have had. My life has not been the same since I have made all of my friends in the state of Washington. Granted, they are not all from there and that is what I love. Diversity. Particularly Rylie, Reba, Kaity, Casey, Natalie, and countless other people have become life-long friends and not being with them this Summer has been much more difficult than I thought it would be. My roots are not longer in Aurora, OR. My roots are at Northwest University. I have been transplanted to Washington. Granted, I have friends here that I wish I could keep with me. Like Alexa, Bailee, Jake, etc. They still mean so much to me. Yet, the majority of my friends still reside in Washington. Northwest University has done so much for me as far as education goes, but by far, God has provided me with friends I know I will have for the rest of my life. They are my 'Changing Season.'

Life is so interesting and watching seasons change is so fascinating, but allowing God to change my seasons is so...fun! I never know what to expect and all I have to do is trust and let Him do the rest! So, here is to my seasons and not knowing what to expect in them! Amen!