Unplugged

 

We all have excuses. This was mine: I moved back to my hometown after being gone for college. I am in a crazy transition stage, because I know that I will be here for only seven months at best. I shouldn’t really invest too much, because I will not be here that long. Yes, all of this is true. This is an incredibly awkward transition stage, but all of these excuses are just that. They are silly excuses.

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We were created for community, and I can tell the big difference that it can have when there is no sense of community. If I can just be honest, this semester has been hard. I MISS my Cleveland family. I MISS my best friends. I MISS my fiancé. These are all of the people that made up my community, accountability, encouragement, challenge…the list could go on. I’ve been without them this semester, and I haven’t enjoyed it. I’m used to being at my house and having people CONSTANTLY come in and out. I’m used to late night/all night hang outs. No worries, they were always clean…but LOTS of fun memories. The only real alone moments that I had were when I got up earlier than everyone else for that specific purpose. All of that to say that this semester I have definitely been unplugged when it comes to the community aspect.

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Leaving Cleveland would have been hard regardless of the circumstances or what I was leaving for, but this semester could have been easier if I had given more effort to be plugged in here. Accountability is important. Discipleship is important. Quality time with others is important. I am sad as I look back at my excuses this semester. I refuse to let the excuses continue. Do you have an accountability partner? Are you investing in anyone? Are you allowing anyone older and wiser to pour into you? Are you encouraging others? Are you allowing others to encourage you? I’ve realized the importance of these things because they have been missing. I hope that you, reader friends, are experiencing the blessing of community.

 

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica

It’s Official: I’m Going To Be a Teacher…of Second Grade!

It’s What I’m Loving Wednesday! It could not come at a better time, because there is so much to tell you guys! I have a lot of love going on right now! Let me give you the skinny.

 

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1. First and foremost, I  am LOVING that I was offered a second grade position at Hope Sullivan Elementary School! Did I accept? Well, of course I did, sillies!Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh EXCITEMENT! I cannot WAIT! This is such a sweet little school, and all of the people I have been able to meet are just so helpful and friendly. I can’t wait to get in my classroom to organize it and decorate it. Did you hear that?!?  I have my own classroom! I’m thinking maybe an India theme…maybe musical. I’m not sure, but there are definitely ideas rolling! Also, if anyone has second grade level books just lying around that they are wishing to rid themselves of, I surely would not turn them down!

          

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2. I am loving that I am walking across the stage to graduate from Delta State University on Saturday. The last four years are coming to a close, and I will celebrate that as I walk across the stage to receive my diploma. It’s crazy that I am seeing the last four years of my hard work coming to a close. It’s so bittersweet. I will be an Okra forever!

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3. I am loving loving loving that my man comes home this weekend! I am super excited! I kind of like him a little bit.

4. I am loving that Amber Marie is home, and I get to spend time with her. She needs to come home more often.

It has been a wonderful week in which God has reminded me once again that He is the Provider. What are  you loving this Wednesday?

 

Shaped by Grace,
Jessica Calvery