Ikea Life Plans

It has been a hot minute since I felt like I had to time to breathe in the past couple months. Having still moments always prompts me to reflect on my life: where I have been, what I have been through, and where I am going. I began to think about the life the younger versions of me imagined. I can say with quite certainty, they never could have predicted this.

I never thought I would still be in Tallahassee. The longer I am here the more I love it. But I have tried leaving so many times for school or jobs I thought I wanted. But somehow, God consistently shows me it isn’t time for me to leave yet.

I never thought my first overnight hospital stay would be in a foreign country. I had decided that since I survived being a teenager with no major medical incidents, I would be good until I had to go to become a mom or something! That obviously was not the case. That event still is the strangest couple days I have ever, and probably will ever, experience. But I got a great story out of it so I guess that is something.

I never thought I would be voluntarily signing up for more and more school. In high school, I had always looked at career paths only requiring one degree. But grad school? Yeah right… I could never do that.

I never thought I would still be living with family after graduating from undergrad. Because I had always assumed I would find a one degree career. One degree, instant job, forever independent. But nope! I am an in-debt grad student living with my grandparents. But I know I will forever be so thankful for the time I get to invade their lives and their home.

I never thought I would be working at a church. When Aaron asked me to quit Chick-fil-a to come work for him, I was sure he was having a momentary lapse in judgment. I wasn’t qualified. I’m still not! But I love it. I love getting to be a part of some of the most important and challenging times in our students’ lives. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I never thought one of my younger sisters would be getting married before me. I’m the oldest. I’m supposed to be the one giving marriage advice and relating to the joyful stress of planning a wedding, but I got nothing! And yeah, some days that is a tough reality. But I also know there is not a single person in the world who could make Savanna happier than Caleb. He is the most perfect man for her and the absolute best first brother-in-law.

I never thought I would be oh so very single at 24. High school Audrey thought I would be married right out of undergrad. Apparently, God is on His own timeline. Shocking I know.

These are just the brief highlights of a long list of ways, things, and choices I have made that I could have never predicted. God tells us “I know the plans I have for you (Jeremiah 29:11)”. Some days I wish those plans were clearly written out. Like a step-by-step Ikea furniture manual. Place this here. Tighten this relationship there. Pick up this opportunity and connect it with this. But I’m also so thankful it is not. Our lives are a journey. A journey filled with so much purpose and even more surprises. And I’m sure that even in another 5 or 10 years, the plans I have for myself now will not be comparable to the place and the person I will be then.

I’m ready for the adventure. I hope you are ready for yours too!