Everyone always says "college is the best four years of your life!" and this is often true, but just like every season of life college has its ups and downs.

One secret no one tells you about college is that it can be lonely. Amidst all the welcome events, meeting new people and forming new friendships loneliness still can creep its way in.

I watched other people's snapchat and instagram stories. They all looked like they were thriving, living their best lives. Instead, I found myself overwhelmed by all the quick changes in my life. Some days could just feel every mile between me and the people and place I call home.

Coming into college I had such specific expectations for what I wanted my life to look like. I wanted to start fresh and find my identity. I saw myself as the girl who was involved in lots of clubs on campus; the girl who had a group of friends she just clicked with and someone who wasn't afraid to put herself out there. Instead, I was reaching out to people who would never get back to me. I felt looked past and unnoticed.

I felt so insignificant.

I had prayed for friendships built on faith and encouragement and I expected God to fulfill those prayers quickly but He didn't. He allowed me to go through a season of loneliness with a purpose and that purpose was good because God is always good. He was teaching me that I should first build and cultivate my relationship with Him before I could do so with others.

Within a few short weeks of being back for second semester, God blessed me with the type of friends he knew I needed: friends who encourage me daily, pray for me and keep me accountable. I learned to step outside of my comfort zone because God doesn't call us to be comfortable; He uses us when we step outside of our safe zones and allow Him to take us to places we could have never imagined.

So, it's okay not to be living your best life at the start of college. It's okay to feel far from home and lonely at times. Being uncomfortable pushes you to grow and allows God to use you in incredible ways!

So the next time you see someone else's highlight reel of snapchats and instagram posts, remember that it's just a highlight reel.