No Longer A Child - Stepping Into the Next Stage of Life

This summer, I have the opportunity to help with a VBS with my “adopted aunt”. :) But it is so strange... when I filled out the volunteer form, I can’t sign up as a youth volunteer anymore! I have to sign up as an adult!
Graduation has come and gone. I held my diploma in my hand. I have my driver’s permit. I can no longer compete in speech and debate through our high school league. When I look in the mirror, I don’t see a little girl with tight braids anymore.
It’s so weird!

Now that it is all over, I want to share with you some of the lessons God has been showing me. Wherever you are in your journey, I hope they encourage you to think about God's goodness and faithfulness and remind you of how He has led you in the past. :) 
1. God knows the road ahead.
Last year at this time I was unsure of the future. Now the future is here.Looking back, I can see that God knew each step of the way! I don’t understand every step, but He does! He has a plan and is using this time to refine me, to mold me to who He wants me to be.
But I still don’t know the future. I don’t know the road ahead. But that’s ok.
I saw this sign in front of a church that really made me think. It said, “I’m not in control. But I’m loved by the One Who is.”
It is so true! Not only is there Someone Who is in control, but He loves you and me! Imagine how tragic it would be if the person in control of your life didn’t love you.
As I write my novel, I have a certain amount of control for my characters. Right now, my poor character is experiencing a brain trauma and can’t remember who her family is. (Wow, that sounds really tragic! It kind of is, but it does get better.)My character can't see her future - she doesn't know that this event will change her life - for the better.  (I don’t want to say too much… spoiler alert.)As a flawed author, I am writing a story, with my character’s best interest in mind.
God, Who is so perfect, is writing my story. I am excited to see the ending!
When life doesn't make sense, when we're facing a road covered in fog, we can give the future to Him - He has it in His hands.
2. God will always be with me, no matter the stage.
There seems to be so much pressure once you graduate to be independent, leave home, make your own decisions, etc. This world says it's good to “be a loner”, but I can rest assured that God didn’t look down and say, “You’re an adult now. Have a great life!”
God didn't set the world in motion and walk away. He desires to have a personal relationship with each of us, and that we would walk daily with Him. 
Right now, I am really encouraged by a song I have been hearing on the radio. The chorus says, “Your promise still stands/ Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness/ I’m still in Your hands/ This is my confidence/ You’ve never failed me yet.”
Each step of the way, I know He will be with me. These last few teen years are not a surprise to Him! This is just one more step in the journey, and I know He will be there.
I’m reminded of the verses in 1 Corinthians 13 - “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”
Now is my time to grow up in Him. I won’t understand everything now, but I will when I see Him face to face!
That will be an amazing ending!