Think of Me – Mark Shultz

In 12 hours I’ll be leaving for Germany again...it’s weird to think that this time last year, I was already there, going to school, talking to friends and arguing with family. It’s amazing how much has changed over this last year though.

Last year, leaving was all I could think about. Once school ended I wanted to get away from everything and everyone as soon as I could and the other side of the world sounded like a great idea – and it was. Excluding the family dramas, I loved spending time with some of my closest friends and just being allowed to be me without having all the roles I usually have here. Two months wasn’t nearly long enough and at the time I think I would have stayed there for the rest of the year if I could.

It seems God has His plans though. Coming back may have been the best decision I’ve made all year – it opened the pathways that I’ve taken to get to where I am now. I’ve finished the first year of my social work course (and loved it!); I’m working part-time so I can move out at the beginning of next year; I’ve met new friends both at uni and through others.

And now it comes time for me to once again pick up and leave for 6 weeks...and I find, unlike last time, that I really don’t want to go. I miss my friends over there so much, but I know it’s a price I pay for living on the other side of the world. I have things happening here at the moment and feel that by leaving, I’m deserting or betraying the others involved. How can I travel and enjoy myself when there are still things here that are left unfinished. There are people in pain and trees that won’t have gifts under them this year. Who am I to leave these things partly done?

It reminds me of the Mark Schultz song “Think of Me”. Leaving is so hard, but I know I need to remember to leave things in God’s hands. I’ll be back in 6 weeks time, ready to start a new year and with just as much energy as I’ve always had. This doesn't really make it easier though .

Stay safe .