Now for real.
Well, friends, another year has come and gone. Over the past few days, I've reminisced the many things that happened in 2015. Of the bigger milestones, I [finally] graduated from college, after FIVE years and got a job with Getty Music and moved to Nashville. One of these was unexpected. Spoiler alert: my job and MOVING.
If you know me, then you know that it wasn't an easy decision to move...to Nashville of all places. I was born and raised in the sweetest place on earth, always surrounded by family and friends. Having 15 cousins on just one side of the family meant 15 different friendships. And even though it was usually only holidays that all 8 million of us got together, I cherished each and every one. When I graduated from high school, my class had 13 people. THIRTEEN. And in one form or another, we're all still in contact with each other. I think it's the small town effect. You know everyone, and everyone knows you. And for some unknown reason, you remain friends. Forever. I'm not complaining - not in the least. It just made moving away that much harder.
Fast forward to September. I packed Kathy to full capacity and set out for an adventure to Nashville. A place I had never been before. And I was going alone. WHAT. I arrived in my little town of Hermitage and instantly felt like I was home. A place I had never EVER been before just felt right. Top it off with the most amazing girl for a roommate, I thought this was too good to be true - I should move more often. But not really.
I had three months until I would be home. I've never been away from home for that long. What did I sign up for?! Surprise, it's our last show in DECEMBER! I don't remember it happening, but my three months flew at a surprisingly fast speed. And yet when I look back to September, it feels like it was years ago. See what I did there?! ;)
Being home has put things into perspective for me, because even though there were a lot of amazing things that happened in 2015, there were also some not so amazing things that happened. I've learned that I need to cherish even the tiniest things that happen. My "plan" for life is completely different than how I ever imagined it would be - some of it is absolutely incredible, and yet some of it is the complete opposite. I might be touching the rim of cliche, but I've learned (and still am learning) not to take time for granted. We don't have it forever - the passing of my friend Scott put this into perspective for me. Take that extra step to make someone else's day, to put a smile on their face, to make them feel loved. I had the opportunity to bring Scott's parents to a concert in D.C. Sharing that night with them will forever be one of the greatest moments on tour and in my life.
Are there things I would have done differently in 2015? Yes. Lots of the things. And yet, no. Because perhaps if I hadn't done things the way I did them, I wouldn't be where I am right now - which is about to check in for my flight back to Nashville. But really - I might not be going back to Nashville, or who knows, maybe I'd be in my SIXTH year of school. That wouldn't have happened...loans are not fun. What I'm failing at saying is this: don't wish you would have done things differently. Everything that happened was meant to be. And even if it felt like a punch to the face at times - I'm well acquainted with that, so don't fear - God's plan, no matter how far down the road, is FAR greater than what we could have ever imagined.
So go ahead and drink your ALL-THE-FAT peppermint mocha. Your New Years resolutions will find you eventually. Share an extra ray of sunshine with a stranger. Let your loved ones know how much you TRULY love them. And trust God. Fully and without wavering, give it all to Him. I'm telling you from experience: He's got it under control.
Here's to 2016 and all that it brings. Even if it is a few extra pounds.
Roger, roger,
Ellie
