Is This For Me?

Oh boy, where do I start? My first thoughts about LSSC were “That’s cool and all, but that’s not for me.” I didn’t think it was a wise decision to take time off from going to college to be an intern at a church. Little did I know that it really isn’t taking a “year off” from school. I am enrolled in online classes through Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Texas, and it’s no joke. Sure it’s not extremely hard and impossible, but I’ve learned so much and it’s only been about a month and a half! Daily lessons such as managing my time wisely to watch my lectures, and knowing I can’t afford to goof off when I have important things to be done for school.

Just do it after school you may say? Nope. For me that isn’t quite the option. A normal day for me, Tawny Ainis, consists of: waking up at 5:30am to go to the gym, getting ready and going to school at 8:30am, leaving early at 3:30pm to go to work at 4pm-10pm, and then finally going home to go straight to bed and do it all over again the next day. That might sound tedious, but I thoroughly enjoy it. Sure I get tired, and wish I could close my eyes for a mere 10 minutes. But I am also so fulfilled with my whole day that I can’t wait to do it all over again. I am growing as a person and building a foundation to live a life upon.

Now back to the time managing thing. I’m still getting the hang of it. As I sit on the LSSC girl’s couch at 10:40pm I am rapidly typing to get this done. Don’t worry, I put a lot of thought into this throughout the day, I made an outline in my mind, even had prepared a rough draft verbally…Okay you caught me. I forgot. First thing after I got off work was “Oh snap the blog! Time to get down to business.” But I feel being late writing this was for a reason. Mainly because of the amazing day I had today.

Today was more of a relaxed day for LSSC. With all the fundraising events, planning, meetings, church, schoolwork, and just downright busyness, we were glad to have a day of Sabbath if you will. We went to Prospect Park in Redlands to enjoy the natural beauty the world has that we often overlook. As we sat on blankets, we passed around a ball of yarn and would share encouraging words to the person we passed it to. At the end each of us had given and received positive comments, and each had the yarn tied into a bracelet to unify us together. After the park we were given journals that were painted specifically to match our personalities. We were also given ten minutes to find a spot to write about whatever we felt God was telling us. It was a very peaceful and serene moment for me as I sat under a tree with the light shining down through the branches. It really allowed to me slow down to appreciate and enjoy all of the beautiful things around us that God created; which is everything.

I am so blessed to be a part of LSSC, that every day I am able to experience moments such as this. They may not always be in a cool setting with emotions flowing, but also the daily acts that may seem mundane. I am so appreciative of this program that I get to learn from and grow my heart closer to God. I look forward to everyday for this season of my life.