big skies






I took a long and lovely walk through our backyard the other day. First, because walks are fun. And second ... I had just bought a new sunhat, and I wanted to try it out. (I loved it.) 
... 
I have been learning many new things as I transverse this unknown and transitional territory of my senior year. Especially for passive, predictable, and downright humdrum temperaments like myself, the last year of high school can be an intimidating adventure, to be sure. And as of late, life has been remarkably (and in my case, frustratingly) full of unexpected surprises. I don't like surprises. (Unless, of course, I discover them out before they actually happen. In that case, surprises are fun.) 

This year, my curriculum has gone beyond just math and fiction writing and Thomistic philosophy. As a senior, I find myself enrolled in courses like 'college' and 'student loans.' I am getting awful grades in 'getting your wisdom teeth taken out 101' and 'overcoming your fear of driving on the freeway.' And needless to say, I am not looking forward to the rumored 'riding on an airplane for the first time.' 
... 
As I was walking (and admiring my new hat), I began thinking about my senior year curriculum and what lies beyond. It was so good to just think and laugh at myself a little, to look at the sky and remember that God's "mercy reaches to heaven; Your fidelity, to the clouds."(Psalm 36:5 -- such a good verse for Wisconsin and our big skies!) How good it is to know that all these unexpected surprises have been perfectly planned uniquely for me. How good it is to know that in His mercy, God broadens my horizons with surprises, challenging me to overcome my silly fears and hesitancies, that He provides new, perfect graces each day, in every moment, through every surprise, to prepare me for what lies ahead. 

 Yes. Senior year is full of surprises. 

But they are good surprises. And I have a feeling that they come as the perfect grace, preparing me to experience the bigger skies that lie ahead. 

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