Well that's what is hitting me now. I'm about to get ready for my Nursing Pinning Ceremony. I've completed my undergraduate degree and I will be receiving my Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
If you don't know my story, this doesn't seem like something out of the ordinary or to be placed in the 'impossible' category. And for me 6 years ago, it wasn't. I was a naive first year student who thought nothing other than graduating at 21. But then everything changed. In my fourth, and what was supposed to be my final year of Nursing school, I got sick. So sick that I was almost bed-bound for 9 months with a mysterious disease filled with so much unknown that they eventually gave the umbrella label of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
I was out for the count and literally put becoming a nurse - the vocation that God placed on my life on my first trip to Guatemala - in the impossible category. A lot of things were placed in that category and I slowly lost hope. I struggled each day to simply do the basics and to somehow find joy. But Joy was there. It never left. Just had to be found. Like in my name. It's there but you need to look for it. Look in the middle - Rebecca Joy. And so I looked and found. Joy in the robin flying around on a spring morning. Joy in the colour-filled sunrise. Joy in the kind touch of a family member or friend's hand. Joy in His truths. Some days were easier than others to find a peace of this joy but I will tell you that even the smallest of things that I could find that joy in, found Him in, kept me going.
And as many of you know, despite the darkest time of my life filled with question, He never left me. I learned so much about myself, my hopes, my fears, my faith, and my dreams. Priorities held a whole new meaning. And for that time I am honestly grateful. But no, I would never wish it upon anyone.
But this morning as I prepare to get ready for the first of my graduation ceremonies, I do so with a huge smile on my face, immense gratefulness in my heart, and a few tears in my eyes. The last 6 years have truly held some of the highest of highs and lowest of lows. But here I am on the other end of it. Graduating as a Nurse. Walking across that stage today and tomorrow is going to mean so much more than tradition. That walk across the stage is going to be filled with memories, triumphs and extreme praise.
So here we go! 2015, you are the year. The year of praise in abundance and incredible blessing.
[Some Photos from Grad Weekend]
To God be the glory!
* Also I wish I used this space more and hopefully now I will now that school is done!
