Growing up...sheesh.

Graduation is 45 days away. But who's counting? Oh yeah, Wells-freakin'-Fargo. I'm not even walking across the stage in what is sure to be the most boring ceremony of life, and those b-words are already sending my folks letters! They'll get their money, unless I die. Then all is null and void. I read the fine print. Speaking of my folks though, guess what I so graciously had the privledge to help them with recently. Their mother-truckin' taxes. I used to think having to shovel the hog crap was the suckiest thing ever. Nope. Not even a little bit. So, as a response to my recent bout of "Peter Pan syndrome", I've developed a list of the pros and cons of growing up.

The Cons.
Taxes - enough said.
Gravity - I've already seen what it has done to my body in just 21 years of life. I cringe at the next 60.
Girdles - Tuck it in ladies.
Your mom and dad cease to care.
People begin to give you that "poor-single-you" look.
Your boss will inevitably be a bigger a-hole than your Chemistry professor.
Debt collectors get fiesty.
Have you seen liver spots?!
I may be healthy now, but I'm sure that'll go downhill fast.
I'll have to start calling celebrities like Sean Connery hot.
Orthopedic shoes. The horror.
Your toenails get that funky yellow color.
I don't want to be that cranky...all the time.
I'll become the "older generation"...shudder....

The Pros.
No longer will I pay $200 for a book that I will never use.
No more homework, tests, projects, etc.
Not boys with jobs, men with careers.
Money.
Money.
Money.

Maybe it will all work out. If I marry John Krasinski and have lots of money. That'll work for my first marriage.

Dancing...

This is clearly a ballroom. The most beautiful room I have ever seen. The walls glisten like the surface of the ocean when the sun is highest in the sky, and the floor reflects the open night sky to appear as though I am walking on water. I fix my eyes upon the sky above me and am instantly positive that each star has been hand crafted and chosen just for me. My foot catches on something on the floor and causes me to stumble. As I recover, I see the only ugly thing in the room. On the floor are my worldly, dirty grave robes. My trembling hand reaches out to the clothing that has been my comfort zone, and the pile evaporates in front of my eyes. I stand to see that I am draped in a cloth like nothing I have ever felt in my life. The gown is pure and white like the first snow and hugs my body in a reassuring and perfect way. It lightly brushes along my finger tips sending chills down my spine. For I am, in this majestically created room, clothed in Grace. A light breeze blows through the room kissing my cheeks and shoulders with Glory and the wind carries with it an aroma so Heavenly and powerful that am weak in the knees. I become intoxicated on the scent and search for its beholder. As if He'd been there along, and He had in fact, a Man stands on the far most wall of the room. Tears fall down my cheeks as this beautiful King approaches me. His eyes dance as He reads me, for He knows me by heart. "I know the plans I have for you, but for now, let’s dance." And we do just that. He knows all the right steps and never flinches when I step on His toes. When I grow weary, He lifts me up and carries me. I am drowning in the love of my Beloved. In His presence, I am complete...

What you have just read is one of the most intimate moments I have ever had with Him. In this moment, He revealed to me exactly what He wants for me right here and right now. For months I have worried unnecessarily about my future when He has all the plans. I've worried so much that I've forgotten to dance with my King. He longs to romance me, and I have rebuffed His advances.

No longer. I want to simply be with Him, all the time. I hope that this has touched you in the exact way He has intended. I hope you'll dance with Him because He's really the very best. You don't have to bring anything but yourself...

Father, I am in love with you...