Take a Back Road

I wrote the poem that served as the inspiration for the title of this blog on a train trip I took my first semester of college. I was feeling quite stressed at the time with studies, being in the school musical, and uncertainties regarding God's plans for my life - so I up and decided to take a round trip one-day train ride. The destination didn't matter; I just wanted to go somewhere where it would be just me and God. It was a wonderful experience for me (if a bit more spontaneous of me than normal!), and I cherish that memory.

Do you ever just feel the need to "take a back road" (or a train ride)? If you enjoy a bit of Country music, here's a song for you:

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

~ Matthew 11:28-30

"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone."
~ Matthew 14:22-23

(Music video from Youtube.com: "Take a Back Road" by Rodney Atkins. If you would like to read the poem that inspired the title of this blog, click HERE.)

Back to School

I had to say another goodbye today. My mom left this morning, and it was so hard to see her go. But she let me know that she made it home safely, and I've had a fun time today with my sweet friends. In fact, I just got back not too long ago from watching a movie with some of them! =)

This evening's dinner was my first meal back in the cafeteria (which boasts a new frozen yogurt machine!), and tomorrow is my first day of classes. For those of you who are interested, these are the classes I'm going to tomorrow:

• Christian Theology I
• Literary Criticism
• Life Science
• Poetry Writing

Should be interesting! ;)

Overall, this transition has been much easier in some ways than last year. This year I didn't have to go to orientation. This year (because I sent in some paperwork early) I got to do "express" check-in. And this year I had the added bonus of being familiar with the dorm, having friends on campus, and knowing the routine.

But the transition seemed harder in other ways. My family and I had such an amazing summer together--four wonderful months. Going away to college is no longer a novelty. And I miss my family and my home so very much.

I know what I really need, though. I've been so caught up in myself, in all that's going on in my life. And I've neglected truly spending time with God. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes in each day--each moment--when we focus on God rather ourselves.

I am so glad that God never leaves us and never stops loving us! I love knowing that no matter where I go, God will be right there beside me. Through His grace, through Jesus, I can be close to Him, no longer separated because of my sin. And the comfort of His eternal Presence is a tremendous, undeserved blessing I all too often take for granted.

I've neglected what my heart really needs, what I long for. I want--need--to spend time with the Lord of my life, my closest Friend and my caring heavenly Father. Oh, may we draw ever closer to Him and seek Him every day of our lives!