The Emotional Roller Coaster of Packing

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We all read blogs about it on Facebook and see the posts on Twitter. Packing is when one of the biggest changes in our lives actually starts to become real. So many people love to give advice to the rising freshman class. They tell you to prepare to bring extra body wash, shower flip flops, and so much more. But they only warn you about some of the things in packing for your freshman year of college.
They don’t warn you about boxing up old stuff animals, trophies, and awards; needing to stop, take a breath, and remember each moment, trying to hold on tight. They don’t warn you of the tears you cry, when you leave your room behind, frozen in time. They don’t tell you of the laughs that you have when you see shirts from elementary, middle, and the beginning of high school. Or remembering when you thought you looked “so cool” and it was just a fashion phase that should NOT be remembered.

Packing for college is an emotional rollercoaster, but you have to take the ride. Even the most prepared person can find themselves in the middle of the room, just staring at the walls, wanting to hold on to the comfort of the past. But remember to still push forward into the adventures of tomorrow. Packing isn’t just moving your clothes and stuff from one place to another. It is a symbol of the first step to adulthood. In that moment you are growing up and starting a new chapter in your life.

As I packed my room, I just remembered with each picture frozen in time and each fluffy friend waiting for me, that I can always come home. I have a huge chance to start something new at OBU with Welcome Week just around the corner. I had letters from OBU and notes from my future Welcome Week leaders saying how they have prayed for me ALL summer. This all made me stop and remember Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” All of these things gave me a peace about leaving home for the first time, yet an excitement for the adventure awaiting with life on the hill.

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