Pomp

On Saturday May 8th, I will walk across the stage at MacMurray College and fulfill my parents dream for me, or at least one of them, I will be a college graduate.
I'm not really sure what to think about it. I don't really feel any smarter, brighter, or wealthier.
I still feel like me. In fact, I think moving to DC had the most impact on helping me "grow up".
But even then, I don't feel anymore grown up than I did a few years ago.
Sure, I've checked a few more things off my To Do: list but there are lots of things left.
Like-find a job I love. Not so sure where it is-but it's out there. And I'm not so sure it's in interpreting, but I know that is some how an important part of it.
Or-Become a better packer. I've gotten a ton better at this since I've been in college.
Take a Road Trip-over 12 hours, no stopping to sleep.

I guess I might feel more grown up when I walk across the stage, but I doubt it.
I'm not really sure a piece of paper and a cap and gown make you a grown up.
I think it might be how you handle everyday situations.
Or when you're responsible for your own place to live, or when you get married.
Who knows...Not me.
All I know is who holds my future, and for now, well...forever, that's enough for me!

Came a Rain.

Today it came a rain. Yeah-"came a rain"-thats how my Gran says it! When I was in DC it rained a couple of times but never those warm spring rains that make everything 15times greener than they were before. I kept saying"when I get home I hope we get a good warm rain". Well today we got it!
It was over by 5 and the ditches infront of my house were flowing...so I jumped out of J's truck & did something I hadn't done in years. I threw in a stick & watched it make its way down the "river". For the next 30 minutes I told Jeffrey how I was the Champion Ditch Floater when I was little & he stayed outside & laughed at me as I reveled in my childhood.
That's just another thing I'm thankful for-Spring rains & flowing ditches. Although that made my dirt muddy so I couldn't put my toes in it...but soon... I'll have a whole blog about that.
Thanks God for good warm rains-flowin ditches-and boyfriends who don't care that I'm a little bit tomboy!

70 miles...

My whole life I've lived 5 minutes from the Kentucky border. Usually I pay no attenion when I'd cross the border to get gas or visit my Aunt. But today I crossed Kentucky on the other side & I've never been happier.
Over my right shoulder is the big U of K & in front of me is Louisville. Then there's a stretch of road that makes me both happy & sad. The long road home...Let me tell you when I cross that state line- I might just cry.
Because I know that on the West side of the Lincoln memorial there is a name carved just above a roman column & it says Illinois.
It was the state that made Lincoln great & its the state I call home.

The End.

Today is April the 18th. Today is my last day in the District.
This morning I got up & went into the city one last time. I visited George & sat leaning up against him & remembered...
I remembered a young country girl visiting D.C. for the first time. I remembered how Megan Wurtele & I opened the windows of our hotel room so we could "hear the city". I remembered vowing from that last day that I would come back.
I remembered the rejection when I didn't get accepted the first time. I remembered watching snow fall & knowing that my God had planned the snowfall just for me. I remembered wanting to give up & come home,but persevering.
I remembered the sad day when I realized that I was coming back to IL soon.

This morning I sat at the foot of George & I sang those same words that Mrs.P sang to us 5 years ago on a boat in the Potomac-"My Country 'Tis of Thee, Sweet land of Liberty of Thee I sing..."

And I remembered, that no matter where I am. He is always there too. And no matter what happens He has my best interest in mind. And I will forever trust in Him. Because the grass will wither, the flowers will fade- & eventually George will crumble...But the Word of my Lord will stand forever!