spring is in the air...

and even though it bothers my allergies, it is beautiful.

spring feels differently this year. i remember the springs from each of my years here at usc, and they all have been different.  my freshmen year, spring was a time of happiness and hope: i was just getting into rhythm  here at school, had found great friends, and felt like i really had found my place in this college world.  my sophomore year, spring denoted change: going away on summer missions, ministry transitions, and yet it was beautiful because we cherished every moment we had with friends who were graduating that spring.  my junior year, spring was bright and beautiful, but there was fear lurking in my heart: i worried that FUGE (and philly) wasn't going to be all that i had imagined, and i was afraid of what was next, especially with my new leadership in ministry.  this spring is different from all the rest. it is beautiful, and fragrant, and mysterious, and sad, all at once.  beautiful, because i know this is the perfect ending to an incredible time in college.  mysterious, because i feel like i'm just around the corner of what is next, even though i can't quite grasp it.  sad, because i know it's the last spring here. it's the last spring i'll walk down the horseshoe and see people playing ultimate. it's the last spring for baseball. it's the last time i'll see the dogwoods bloom here, with these people. i just want to cherish every moment of this, and not be sad or overwhelmed or frustrated (though it's my tendency to feel these things), because i know life and memories have already been made here, and what is next is up to God.