When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. -1 Corinthians 13:11 NIV

It seems like just yesterday I was in school, living at home, working part-time, fighting with my siblings, and enjoying a somewhat care-free lifestyle. I used to think after I graduated college I would have more time on my hands for the things that I enjoy. However, it seems like I have been going full speed ahead since graduating. It’s crazy to think that I turned 30 years old this month because I still feel like my younger self, just a little wiser. Over the past 10 years I have experienced and gone through so much and I wanted to share some of my good memories from my 20s with everyone. 

One of my first memories from my 20s was traveling out of the country for the first time on a study abroad. It opened my eyes to a whole other world and would change my outlook on life forever. I was hesitant to go on the trip because the guy I was seeing at the time did not want me to go. My mom, however, encouraged me to go, reminding me that I may not get an opportunity like that again. I’m so glad that I went on that study abroad in 2009 because it gave me a new perspective about what I wanted out of life.

Some of my not so favorite memories include partying and drinking a lot, staying up until 4:00 a.m. and then waking up to attend classes the next day. Thinking back to it, I’m not really sure how I managed that and I often wonder why I was so driven. 

All and all, there were good and bad times in my 20s, but I like to focus and remember the positive things. One of my happiest moments was when Griffin proposed to me at the Pantheon in Italy. It was so surreal and a memory I will cherish forever. What you don’t know is that I never wanted to get married. I saw first hand what divorce does to families and I never wanted that. However, God had different plans for me and brought me the perfect person to do life with.

With all the things that happened over the past 10 years some of my favorite memories came from traveling the world with Griffin. We’ve seen some amazing places together and traveled to Italy, England, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland and Japan. We’ve also traveled around the U.S visiting Washington D.C., Savannah, Atlanta, Asheville, Charleston, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Chicago, Austin, San Antonio, Beaufort, and Panama City.

Now here I am, sitting in our second home reflecting on how great God is. All of these experiences I had were because of God. He loves and cares for me so much that he gave me these amazing opportunities in life.  Over the years, God has shown me that I am loved and perfect just how I am. I’m excited for the future because Griffin and I have so much planned for the years to come. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on something positive in your life. Thanks so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed!

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