Freedom

Over dinner yesterday night I told my mom about an opportunity to work in a girl’s transitional living facility. I told her about what an awesome internship it would be and some details on how I found out about it. The only thing about it is it’s on the other side of the country. The distance doesn’t scare me, nor does the internship, but I felt uneasy with talking with her about it. I’m about to be 20, and I have lived on my own for a little over a year. But during the conversation I still found myself asking for her permission. She looked over at me and said, “It’s your life, Melanie. You can do what you want.” As I heard it, freedom came over me. I can’t even explain ho incredible it was to hear. I mean, I know that I am old enough to grab hold of my life, but to truly realize that I can do whatever I want really blessed me. I cut this lady’s hair the other day at the salon and she was an interesting lady. She had been all over the world, had a large family, and now works volunteers in local shelters. She told me about her time in India and how she was hoping to go back this summer. As I listened to her stories, I thought, gosh she has done so many incredible things. Then it clicked. My life really is only just beginning. God has given an opportunity to live a life for Him- giving Him all the glory. He has this plan for my life that will blow me away. It doesn’t lack excitement, it is filled with it. Sure, I take a misstep every now and then. Scratch that, sometimes I’m COMPLETELY off course, but he works with that and still has this beautiful life ready for me to live. But it’s my choice to live, not in fear, but in Him. I have to take that step though, whether with the internship or not, I need to accept responsibility for my life and choose life.