The Lasts

I am absolutely terrible about getting caught up in the "lasts" of everything. For example, as my first summer at Epworth (LT '07!) was coming to a close, I became a basket case for the entire last week of camp observing all of the "lasts". I must say, it got a little out of hand...

"This is out last time taking campers to the beach!"

"This is our last morning show!"

"This is our last dinner with campers!" (don't worry, every "last" meal was observed)

and my personal favorite,

"This is our last time going to the museum!"

(insert tears - yes, real tears - here).

That was after only two months (and roughly two days) at camp, and surprise surprise, I was back the next year. And the year after that. And somehow I survived going to the museum for the last time. (A miracle, I know).

But all these "lasts" of college are starting to add up, and I am not a fan. And they are BIG things too. I already went to my last Georgia football game as a student (if you haven't experienced it, you just don't know. That is a BIG deal). Played my last concert at the School of Music. Monday night was my last chapter meeting of my sorority, SAO. Four years, lots of blood, sweat and tears (not so much blood, maybe) and it was over. Yesterday was my last oboe lesson with Dr. Manning. I've been in that studio once a week for four years and suddenly, no more. Tonight is my last Wesley service, and tomorrow will be my last undergraduate class. Good gracious. Could we hit the pause button, please?!? This is getting ridiculous.

Now, I know the traditional verse someone would use to comfort me in all my "lasts". There is a season for everything. I know, I know. And that helps. But all that tells me is that it is time for my season at UGA to end, and nothing about the new season I am about to enter. So I think I will be clinging to this verse even more:

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Isaiah 44:6

Thank goodness for new things. That is all that will get me through all of my "lasts". Spur of the moment, hilarious roommie trips to Chick-Fil-A literally seconds before they close will probably help too. This may or may not have happened last night.... :-)

Here's to enjoying my "lasts", and looking forward to many "firsts" still to come.

Lauren