If you read these in order then from the last entry you'll know that I'm currently on spring break, and that while on break I've been going to my home church.

Last night I went to youth group. Traditionally our youth group is only for middle school through high school, but there are always a few college kids who just can't seem to, and honestly don't want to move on *cough* me *cough* xD I could honestly picture myself being 23, and still going to youth group lol. But let's be real...is that really plausible.? And is it healthy lol?

I've come to the very sad conclusion that one day (probably a day in the near future) I'm going to have to grow up, move on from youth group, and go to...THE COLLEGE GROUP. *Cue scary music in the background* xD

The college group ranges from ages 18-25. Even though I just fit within that age gap I still feel incredibly out of place as the majority of the members are +24. As the youngest I feel like a child there lol, and my very childlike personality only makes things worse xD

I'm sure that the college group can be a lot of fun...but let's be real, it'll never have a thing on youth group😂😂😂 (see next chapter: Top 12 things you [will] miss about youth group).

Something that the Lord reminded me of was how I first felt about leaving kids church for youth group...let me tell you, I wasn't happy about it at all. I didn't want to leave kids church because it was the best thing on the planet. Youth group was cool, but I was certain it didn't have anything on kid's church, plus everyone in youth group was +15. Being only 11 I knew I'd feel uncomfortable and out of place, but I went anyways...and I LOVED it. It took some getting used to, but I grew to love youth group almost more than anything.

What if this is what the college group would look like for me? What if it's something that I grow to love, and a place I truly grow? Youth group is my comfort zone, but no one ever grows where they're comfortable. If I want to grow, I'm going to have to put myself in a place that allows growth...a place out of my comfort zone; the college group.

Last night I went to youth group. It was incredibly nostalgic, and I loved being there. I felt like there was a special bond / heart tie that formed between my heart and my youth group. (We'll come back to this later😏)

After youth group I went to the college group, and it was everything that I expected. I felt out of place, awkward, and beyond uncomfortable. I had to branch out, socialize, and make new friends! Ouch! It was painful lol. I felt like I was starting all over...but I wasn't. I'm starting to realize that I was just growing. I was reaching new heights, and therefore seeing thing I never saw before. I may have felt like I was starting over, but in reality I was just going further up. The college group may be uncomfortable, but I know I'm going to grow there.

Staying in your comfort zone stunts your growth, and I think that's one of the unhealthiest things you can do to yourself. I can't imagine where my faith would be if I never went to youth group, but just stayed in kid's church my entire life lol. It sounds crazy, but it's kind of what I'd be doing if I stayed in youth group.

But I love my youth group and I'm not ready to just cut it off. (Hint: This is me going back to the special bond/ heart tie stuff from 3 paragraphs ago lol)

I'm still working out some of the kinks, but this summer I'll be interning and becoming a leader in my youth group. I'm beyond excited because not only will I gain more leadership skills and grow in my faith, but I'll also be able to stay involved with my youth group (': I'm beyond excited to still be able to have them in my life! Being there last night reminded me of how passionate I am about that community, and how my heart simply wasn't ready to leave yet. I love my youth group, and I love being able to help guide, and lead them. I'm not sure why, but I'm just really passionate about the youth, and to be able to follow that passion is beyond amazing.

But no worries, I'm also going to be attending the college group as well! :)

Take away message:

- Change is good, because it allows us to grow... and remember, healthy things grow.

- Follow your passion, and follow it in a way that allows you to grow as well.

- Be open to new things, because you never know what you're missing out on.

- Enjoy the season you're in, because once it's gone, it's gone, and you may not have the chance to return to it.

In what areas of your life do you feel are stunting you growth? How does the Lord want to take you out of comfort zone, and help you grow?

Also, what are your passions?? I'm just curious!!

Let me know in the comment section!! :D xx