This past month has been both challenging and deeply refining. God has brought to the surface things I believed I had already resolved, gently reminding me of where I still need growth. One of those areas has been accountability—truly walking alongside my brothers in Christ. Our trip to D.C. played a significant role in shaping our group this year. From late-night conversations to meaningful talks on long car rides, I’ve been reminded of how richly blessed I am. I thank God daily for continuing to place men like these in my life.
Father God, Your grace shines on me even when I fail to see it. Thank You for these friends, and for my mentor Eric, who help keep me grounded and focused.
God hasn’t only given me them—He’s brought unexpected people into my life as well. Living with certain personal challenges can be difficult, but knowing I have brothers in Christ who help shoulder the burden has brought comfort on the days when the weight feels the heaviest. I can see now that God has been walking with me all along, revealing the path He’s prepared. Even when my own steps seem crooked, His direction remains steady and true.
Recently God placed an analogy on my heart: each of us carries our own cross—our own struggles, our own nails. Some nails barely pierce the wood, while others are driven deep. I heard a sermon last weekend about bearing one another’s burdens, and it reminded me that though my cross is mine to carry, a brother’s support can lighten the load.
Thanksgiving became a blessing in disguise. I never realized what it would feel like to be away from home for so long. My college was only an hour and a half away, but five hours is different—you can’t go home even if you want to. This new challenge forced me to face my situation on my own. I learned that home isn’t merely where community is—it’s where the adventure begins. I had to set out and find a new community, a new place to grow, one that might someday feel like home.
Going back for break refreshed me more than I expected. I missed my family, and especially my dogs. I hadn’t seen one of my brothers in over five months—the longest ever—and catching up with him was a gift. And my dogs… Zoey and Scribbles, I missed you both. Three months may not sound long, but to them it felt like forever. Scribbles, you’re aging, and I don’t know if you’ll make it to next Christmas. Climbing stairs is hard, getting up is harder. I pray this wasn’t our last time together. I love you.
Now, riding the train back to Raleigh, I reflect on everything we did this week—seeing Noah at Sight & Sound, taking on the Level99 challenges at Tyson’s Corner, and watching all of Stranger Things Season 5 (which was incredible). It was also my birthday week, making it even more special. Thank you to the guys who took me to my favorite place, Olive Garden—true John 15 friendship.
As I look back, I thank God for the precious time spent with the people I love. And as I look forward, I ask for His continued guidance in the journey ahead.