Life in Transition

Over the last few weeks, I have spent half my time on the computer looking for a job and the other half helping my best friend get married. I know I am in the same boat as many recent college graduates looking for a job but sometimes it is hard for me not to feel the stress.

Hannah's wedding definitely put life in perspective for me. I talked to college graduates like myself, whom some had jobs and others were still searching. As exciting and mysterious as the future can be, there is something inside of me that is just wanting to know what the next stage holds. I told my dad today, "I know what will make me happy in life and that is to work with kids in a social work type of position and to travel to Haiti at least twice a year."

Experiencing life in transition has been unusual for me, especially a girl who always has a plan and typically a job. Although, I am learning what it means to trust in God alone, which is always somewhat of a struggle for me. And I am also learning to love life and the people I meet along the way. Maybe it is time for me to just hang onto the rollercoaster that is life because I do not know what tomorrow shall bring, it remains a mystery!

The Key to Love

" There is no fear in love; but perfect love drives out fear." 1 John 4:18

I will never forget the night I became best friends with Hannah. We stayed up late watching a movie. After it was over we just talked, about everything. We discussed religion, life, what it means to be a Christian; I do not remember every detail of the conversation, but I do remember knowing then that Hannah and I would be lifelong friends. Soon after Hannah and I became friends, I met Scott.

Scott, at the time was Hannah's long distance boyfriend. We met one weekend when he came down to see Hannah. Although, that was a fun weekend, one of my most significant memories of Scott was our first Christmas break in college. We were hanging out at Hannah's house, - Scott, Hannah and I, and she left the room for a few minutes. When she left Scott exclaimed, "OK Melissa, we only have a few minutes...here is the deal...Hannah had a hard time this semester especially being away from me and her mom...but I keep telling her she has you. So be there for her." I do not remember what I said but I do remember thinking "Wow, Hannah and Scott truly care deeply about each other, the way Christ meant for us to." I also knew then that Scott would be a life long friend because he was going to marry Hannah one day.

It has been three and a half years since then, now Hannah and Scott are less than a week away from being husband wife. The beauty of Scott and Hannah's relationship goes far beyond societal norms, it is based on the love of Christ. Their passion for Christ is what makes their relationship one that I admire more than words can say. They love each other unconditionally, which is the way Christ loved the church.

I am honored to be their friend and to be one of Hannah's bridesmaids. She has truly been a gift from God these past four years of being my friend and three of being my roommate. I have been blessed on many occasions to serve and minister to others with Hannah. I pray one day I will have the opportunity to serve with Scott and Hannah, when they are husband and wife.

There is a profound quote from Les Miserables that says: "To love another person is to see the face of God." Hannah and Scott see the face of God through the way they love one another. I know that God is going to do amazing things through their marriage because He alone is the foundation. And that is the Key to love, it is also their last name! :)