I’m thankful for the southern hospitality that I’ve received since I’ve been here. I was invited to a family BBQ today in Millington, Tennessee. I was welcomed with open arms. The food was amazing, of course! (I tend to talk a lot about food I’m noticing.)

I got to sit outside in the back and watch a game of spades, enjoying the hot weather on my skin. I can’t recall the last time I was able to do that. It felt great, to just sit back and enjoy the sun and the company.

I was at peace, with strangers. It’s only my 4th day in this city and I know it’s only going to get better.

So whenever I feel those moments of panic and fear, questioning why I’m here, what have I gotten myself into, and how in the world does this season play out in the grand scheme of my life? I have to remember, God has gotten me this far. He’s gotten me to this point, this very moment, and everything has worked out just fine. I have to trust that every single day ahead of me is laid out the exact same way.

I can’t allow the fear of what lies ahead…the graduate classes, the coursework, the high school students, the neighborhoods, the locals…to stop me in my tracks. I can’t allow the fear of what probably never will be make me doubt my gifts or my assignment.

Instead, I have to remind myself that it’s for such a time as this, and that I wouldn’t be here if God didn’t have a purpose and a plan. And because I have full access to Heavenly Hospitality, this southern hospitality will continue to show up in my life. I will continue to meet great people. I will continue to see blessings. I will continue to have constant little reminders that I am on the right path.