I’m 10 days away and I have to keep myself from downloading the countdown app. Again.
Senior year is set to begin and I couldn’t stop it if I tried. And yeah, I’m tired of all the questions and the “Wait, are you still in school?” because yes, thank you, we just start late at Samford.
In fact, I’ve considered carrying around a poster.
Yes, I still go to school.
No, it is not in California, thank you.
Yes, I’m about to be a senior.
No, I don’t know what I’m going to do after college.
Yes, everyone says there’s still time. I know. {That doesn’t help.}
No, I do not have a boyfriend, thank you for asking.
On and on I could answer with yes and no but you really aren’t learning a thing about me and we’re just talking in circles.
I do it too.
The whole surface level “how are you” without pausing to wait for the response. The real response.
I’ve been convicted of it so many times and it’s something I’m continually working on, forcing myself to slow and wait, to pause and listen. Because you can hear one hundred words and only listen to five.
Those other 95 have value, too. And I miss them too often. But there’s a flip-side to it, the listening well – and it’s called telling.
More accurately, sharing.
Opening ourselves up to be vulnerable and honest, to get down to the heart of what’s going on, to bare our souls when they feel paper thin and to trust the one listening is doing just that – listening.
There’s that old saying that ‘sharing is caring’ but there’s more truth to that than we think. Oh, be careful whom you share with when it comes to your heart, sure. But also be careful not to keep it guarded, locked behind walls of past hurts.
You’ve got a story to tell.
He isn’t done writing it, no. But you don’t have to wait until it’s all wrapped up and pretty before you begin to share.
Tell it like it is. I want to hear more than your five words.
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WELL, it’s my first Five Minute Friday in this new space! Woohoo! Welcome! Each week we gather. Fast and in five minutes, with sisters and lots of delicious. Every Friday the prompt goes up and #fmfparty slows down. We write. We breathe out our hearts, sharing the hurts and the joys and splitting hearts and words wide open.
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While we’re on the topic, I’d love to share with you a book I recently finished – Speak
By beautifully weaving together her own personal stories, both light-hearted and heavy, as well as the stories of many friends, Nish has written a book that will leave you with one thought when you close that final page: I have a story to tell.
She encourages us by going first in her own story and opening up the pages of her life.
By the time you finish, you’ll simply want to tell your story as well.
As you listen well and tell your own story, make sure to grab a copy of Speak: How Your Story Can Change the World. It will encourage you, challenge you, and remind you that there’s power in every story.
Yay! I’m so glad you are writing more like this Brave Girl! Rooting for you from the west coast!
Girl, keep telling your story…all of it. (PS I love your new look here )
I’m learning to be more open and vulnerable; it’s scary and freeing at the same time. I can’t wait to read the pages HE writes about my life. “My life is a letter written by God and read by man.” Hope you have a great school year, Kaitlyn!
So true Kaitlyn. Hope your last 10 days of freedom is fantastic!
I’m right there with the whole waiting to see “what’s next” thing. Taking baby steps of obedience and trusting God to prepare the way.
So glad I stopped by to read you today!
I, too, am going to be a senior in college this year. And only last night I had an uncomfotable conversation where a sweet lady was grilling me on what I could do with my degree, and what am I going to do with it. I felt pretty miserable having no answers for her. Thanks for reminding me that I am not the only one in this boat. Best of luck!
Your new space looks beautiful :). Thank you for the encouragement to not hold the telling until the story is all wrapped up and pretty! Too often I focus on the need to have every word perfect and every thought complete (this is why FMF is good for me ;) ).
Tell it like it is! We can always count on you to do that, Kaitlyn, and to challenge us to do it as well!! Great post, my friend!
‘Tell it like it is’. You certainly do! Thanks for your words here today.
“He isn’t done writing it, no. But you don’t have to wait until it’s all wrapped up and pretty before you begin to share.” I am so thankful that God will use me through my imperfections. Beautiful write today!
Great space! And as always – enjoy your words…blessings
Yeah, I like this… a lot. Especially because I so-very-really know the circle of questions that every single person asks. Aah! But you’re so right — TELL the story now, even if we’re not done living it.
First of all, dearie, your new site look is gaw-geous. Just love it. Second, enjoy your last year of college. It will fly by before you even realize what’s happening. Lastly, “He isn’t done writing.” Yes. I needed that.
love where you’re going in this space you’ve created … keep on writing, girl!
My daughter is your age and also gets asked “so, what are you going to do?” Great post!
So very beautiful! Love your amazing blog and your words!
I LOVE this …. thank you for sharing your “tell” ….. I am connecting up :)