Waking Up

Well, It's finally time to face the facts. My childhood is nearly over. I'll be leaving for college in 10 days, and finally enter the world of the grown-ups.

For the past 18 years I have lived in a cocoon of love and support. My family has nurtured me, and sheltered me from the harsh realities of the world. My parents are strong Christians, who have provided a safe haven to nurture my faith in God, and to let the Word grow my faith and my understanding. They have brought me up in the Lutheran Church, teaching me according to the Lutheran confessions.

Over the years I've learned many lessons. Don't touch a hot stove, play nice with others, work hard in everything you do. I've learned to save rather than spend impulsively. I've learned how to study and rejoice in knowledge. I've learned the importance of God and His Word, of Jesus Christ and His saving work, and of the Holy Spirit who works faith. Now it is time to take these lessons with me as I enter the secular college campus.

I feel that in many respects, I am nearly an adult. I can drive, get a job, and balance a checkbook. However, though my faith is growing, it will continue to need support and a strong guiding hand. I will never be able to launch out and support my faith on my own. I can never take my salvation into my own hands and expect to hold onto it. For that I must rely on God. If I ever leave the church or the Word, my faith will be lost. Therefore, though the world sees me as an adult, God willing, my faith will remain like that of a little child. Trusting in God for all things for body and soul.