The biggest lesson thus far

Things are rolling. It's been 5 weeks already since I've been here in Ohio; 8 more to go. It's...been, is all I'm going to say. It's been a bit difficult getting used to working nights...to working flipped shifts really. I'm tired a lot of the time and have been sleeping in late when I'm off, after years of getting up early and spending more of my day doing stuff. My apartment isn't freezing cold anymore! In fact, it gets kind of stuffy when it's warm outside (cloudy today). My dad drove down yesterday to have breakfast with me, which was very nice. It is very nice indeed having my parents close by; I've spent 2 weekends with them when I've been off work. I've also found a church! It's non-denominational (I'm assuming), I really enjoy the music and I'm still trying to get to know some folks. I think that's been my biggest struggle; not so much meeting people but still having this need to fit in. It's getting better and easier to deal with now, and I've been constantly reminded of a simple phrase.

Be in the world, not of the world.

I wrote in my journal last night that it's getting so much easier to march to the beat of my own drum, since I'm never really truly alone. God has really shown Himself since I've started this journey of travel nursing, and one of the things I've learned is that there are so many wonderful folks in my life, but even though God has put them in my life, He does not want me to rely on them when I'm lonely, lost, sad or afraid. Ok...that previous statement may have sounded a bit harsh. He wants me to rely on Him when I'm feeling lost, lonely sad or afraid and to ask for support from those in my life. How often do we do that? Run to the company of....someone, anyone whenever we're not sure what to do. Or we run to the company of something else? Hey, don't get me wrong. I love my friend and family time. I thrive on my friend and family time. But as Christians, I feel like we may be missing out when we "can't" be alone. I used to know people like that. I used to be one of those people. Being by myself used to drive me nuts! And the more and more I'm around those who aren't like me and who really just...are people, the more I want to flee them and spend time with Him in His presence. I feel out of sorts when I don't get my First 5 done at the start of the day. I've started listening to worship music on the way to work; it helps me to focus.

Folks, I'm not saying God wants us to retreat into our little bubbles day in and out. He requires us to fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters, but He also requires we spend time by ourselves. To be honest, sometimes I'm just tired of people and I need some me time. I think being away from all that I'm comfortable and safe in has really opened my eyes and has taught me about who God is. I come home from a long day (or night) and if I have some things or frustrations or whatever racing through my mind, I give them to Him. When I hear what's going on around me, I'm reminded that where I am is not only where I want to be, but where God wants me to be as well.