I've left home several times now. It's always sad, but also always exciting. Everywhere I go holds new adventures, new stories, new growth, new lessons, new friends, and many other things. I am not afraid to leave because I will be alone. Sometimes though, I fear other things.
I am more afraid of things I am not used to, whether that's a job, a place, a certain responsibility. I like being comfortable and safe.
So, as I get ready to embark on another trip away from home, alone, I think about what leaving does for me. I think it makes me rely on God more because He is my comfort, not the things I am used to or the people that help me be happy. I have to trust God more when I'm away because I have to provide for myself, but that reminds me that God is always the One providing anyway.
When I leave home, I get a rush of excitement. What will happen this time? What will become of a big move? Will I ever come back to stay? So many questions, so many unknowns.
I also get sad. I don't like leaving people and places behind when they have become so special to me. But once again, that makes me run to God for comfort, help, and peace instead of people or places.
It's OK to be sad, though. God has given me many wonderful gifts that I am leaving behind. He has taught me to love people and care for them. When I leave theses people and things, I feel I leave a bit of my heart.
I have left two particular places, North Carolina and Minnesota, several time now. They both hold much meaning to me. Some day I may leave this country in order to serve the Lord in a far away place. Farther than I've ever been. And one day, I'll leave this whole world behind so that I can live forever in The Kingdom. Then I won't be sad.
