In the Trenches

This is a hard blog to write but I want to be real.

Ups and downs are all about being human. Today, I decided to share myself in the battle. Usually, I share out of the battle but I decided today to share during it. College has started so we’re about to kick into high gear again. It’s never easy coming back.

The huge rush of excitements of new classes followed by the reality of new expectations, new projects, and another semester of boot camp. I have to keep reminding myself all is worthwhile to think positively.

Towards the end of break, I had such a high at the Museum from volunteering.

And of course, those longing days where you can just do...blissfully nothing.

Sidenote: Something about nature just makes me so happy and this was no exception. It was the perfect moment and I'll never forget it! I wish these moments will last forever sometimes, just me? Especially with a rainbow - truly reminding me of God's promises to never flood the world again. Just like how He always keeps His word to take care of us.

Sometimes, even me being a Christian, I wrestle with remembering that God sees me. Even though I'm not okay, my struggles don't surprise Him.

Being back in the trenches this week, I’ll be honest: It’s so hard to go back to square one. Reality is a hard thing to grapple. Sometimes in these moments, I feel like I’m sinking. Sometimes it gets so bad that I feel I’m drowning. (Can these be real? I cried…and it’s only day 2!)

When times hit, I have to remind myself of an eternal perspective. Remind myself what I said before. Trying again and again, even when things don’t go right the first time. Perhaps, I have to relearn to be grateful. Or maybe I’m just overthinking it.

Today's update is a short one but I want to encourage us all to press on. It’ll all pass. This world can be harsh but let’s not let it turn us hard. It’s hard to keep a hard skin and soft heart.

You’re too precious and too valuable to change yourself just to fit in.

You have something to offer, one day it’ll all click.

You’re too precious and too valuable to think you don’t deserve to be here.

You definitely deserve to be here, otherwise…why are you walking on campus?

You’re too precious and too valuable to rip your life away.

You were destined for something, it might take time and grit…but one day, you’ll look back and see.

If this blog doesn’t apply to you, I’m incredibly happy for you. I’m glad you’re pumped and excited. You got this! :)

But for the rest of us, facing reality and feeling moments like these are more like being in the trenches, than at the top of a mountain… you’re not alone. I struggle with things like this too but I know there's hope at the end of the tunnel.

Let’s fight together. Let's give ourselves grace and patience. It's not going to happen overnight and even through broken expectations, there is going to be beauty. Even though we're messy right now, it'll clear up.

One thing I believe - God sees and God will lead me and us out. If we’re here, He’ll finish what He starts.

Till Next Time,

Isabelle

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

~ Psalm 20:7