"Life only gets harder from here"

The phrase I've heard over and over again. If life is only going to get harder from here, I'm not sure how I'm going to survive. Life is pretty dang hard right now. Within the next few months, I have a lengthy list of to-do's and I'm terrified of the unknown that undoubtedly lies ahead.

While I'm contemplating my future I can't seem to pinpoint exactly what I want to be when I "grow up". The ambiguity looming over me has been too much to handle lately, so thinking about my future and everything that it encompasses is pretty daunting. While I don’t know what I want to do with my life just yet, I do know the person I want to be.

I want to be someone who lives like Jesus. I want to be a devout follower, a prayer warrior, someone who loves like Jesus. I want to be a helper of hearts, I want to unapologetically and deeply care about people. I want to learn strangers' stories to build relationships and stride towards love in every capacity.

I want to be someone who can support my family and friends in their difficult times. I want to support others when they care deeply about people. I desire to love others with intention, direction and fluidity. "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:9-10. I want to love like Jesus and live in a way that honors Him.

I want to eagerly allow my heart go all the way. I don’t want to be reserved or scared or hurt from my past experiences. I want to be able to be a loving presence even when navigating through the murkiest of waters. "Even we are faithless, He is faithful" 2 Timothy 2:13. I want to be passionate and intentional in the opportunities that come my way. I want to be confident and secure in who I am.

I want to wake up each day with a grateful heart. With my eyes set on Him. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18. Know that doubt happens. In our weariness, He does not waiver. Know that you are always loved and always sought after by your creator. Do not be discouraged.

I want to be a forgiving soul. I want to love others and extend my sincerest appreciation for their roles in my life. I want to live with a light heart that forgives as easy as it loves. Throughout my life, I have been so undeserving of such grace and forgiveness by Jesus that I'm convicted to extend that grace and forgiveness unto others.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with any form of malice. Be Kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32. What a liberating feeling it is to know that our God is sovereign, gracious and forgiving.

Unfortunately, nobody can protect us from the harm that is life, the rejections, the failures, the let-downs, the heartbreaks. But God’s got you in the palm of his hand. This Millennial life crisis will pass as all things do. “’For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

We may not understand what he is doing now but we must have patience in the process. I want to be the woman, every second of every day, who trusts Him wholeheartedly, through the chaos and the confusion. Know that God has a plan for you.

I want to never question my worth, I want to always stand firm in who I am with confidence and appreciation. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14.

Know that you are beautiful in your skin, in your tears as well as in your laughter. Nothing can fade the beauty that you embody, nothing will tarnish your true self. You were made with premeditation and precision... live as such.

In this Millennial life crisis, understand that you don’t need to have all the answers, you simply need good advisors. Life is about building relationships. Build relationships with people you trust and admire. These people will be able to help guide you amidst your confusion. "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14.

I want to be someone who seeks advice above my pride. Trust the process that is life, trust that God has his perfect plan set just for you. When the euphoria fades passionate depth emerges. Let yourself be optimistic and peaceful. Try to appreciate where you’re at in life. Be comfortable with yourself and confident in who you are because Jesus is in you. You have a purpose in Him.

I don't know where life will take me, I don't know where I'll be living, traveling, or what my future career(s) will be and I definitely do not know how I'm going to get there. But I do know who I want to be and how I want to live. I know that I am a daughter of the One True King who will never lead me astray. My savior can move the mountains and I know He will take care of my greatest needs and love me unconditionally. At the end of the day if that's what I know.... I should feel abundantly secure in my journey.

To know that He is ALWAYS on my side, He is protecting my heart, and He will provide for my desires, my heart couldn't be more fulfilled. What an incredible thought, to have someone so great on your team. I'm not alone in this Millennial life crisis, and neither are you. We have THE BEST teammate, the sincerest comforter, the most beautiful truth after us. How comforting is that? How amazing that He unconditionally loves us through our failures, our lies, and our doubts.