“You can change your hair, you can change your clothes. You can change your mind that's just the way it goes. You can say goodbye and you can say hello. But you'll always find your way back home.”

Growing up in the Hannah Montana age, those lyrics to her song have always spoken to me. I’ve always been blessed to have a wonderful home to come back to. And when I say home, I don’t just mean the roof I live under.

I’m talking about the people. My parents. Cousins. Aunts. Uncles. Grandparents. Friends.

My tribe. They’re who make home what it is.

Having a month off for Christmas break is easily one of the greatest things about college. For some reason, this break was better than normal. I’m not sure if it was because I dedicated the entire break to Christmas, family time, a wedding, adventures, movie nights and tried to do absolutely nothing school related… Or if it was because I had the realization that life is never going to be the same and to cherish every moment… But as I pulled out of the driveway to come back to school, my heart was so incredibly full and my eyes were a little misty.

As my mom reminded me the other day, “Make the decision right now that you won't just survive these next 5 months. But that you will choose to thrive. In the chaos, in the busyness, in the stress... trust God and allow Him to show you how to thrive right where you are. Don't wait for where you hope to be.”

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

We were made to thrive. I don’t know what is waiting for me, but as I nervously approach a difficult semester, I take comfort in knowing I’ve got my God and my tribe on my side and that home isn’t more than a phone call away. And, as we’re reminded at the end of the song “You can change your style, you can change your jeans. You can learn to fly, you can chase your dreams, you can laugh and cry. But everybody knows. You'll always find your way back home.” For that, I am thankful.