“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” -Psalm 23:4

I traveled back home to Atlanta this past weekend to attend the wedding of one of my closest childhood friends. About a week before I left, I began my official countdown, marking the days until I’d be back to my familiar life. I told everyone I could, with beaming excitement, that I was going home. When I landed at Hartsfield-Jackson, I was thrilled to see everything I once held so dear.

I noticed, fairly quickly however, that what I hyped up didn’t necessarily prove true. Though overjoyed to finally see my family and friends, something wasn’t quite right. I looked onto this trip as a moment to feel most like myself, the familiar me, but it didn’t happen that way. There had been a shift, one I welcomed, but one I wasn’t expecting.

This realization was strengthened while I was alongside the bride before her wedding. Her bridal party and I constantly pointed out how calm she was. I think we all had the idea that brides were nervous wrecks on their wedding day, stressing and thinking about every little thing. My friend, however, was confident, excited, thrilled, and most significantly, assured. She knew that this marriage was something God had orchestrated and because of that, there was nothing to be worried about. This next step was simply apart of her divine destiny and as a result, she could walk towards it with power. Seeing her like that really touched me as I reflected on my own experience.

Looking at it now, there was a part of me looking for peace in Atlanta. I was hoping, at least slightly, that I would feel steady and steadfast, instead of in flux, as I’ve been feeling in Los Angeles. The reality however is that my “in flux” feeling is crucial for my destiny. What’s the point of finding comfort in sameness when there is growth knocking at my door?

I knew that moving away from home was God led. God had told me, in many ways, that He wanted me in California. Despite not always feeling sure, I knew deep down I was suppose to be here. For me, seeing my friend was a powerful reminder that it is okay to walk into uncharted territory. It is okay to not always feel like you have it together. It is okay to not know what’s going on. It is okay! Every transitional period can be conquered because of the blessed assurance that God is for me. His hand is guiding me and His words are leading me right into my destiny. I know now to embrace the unfamiliar with renewed confidence. That’s what God wants out of me. There’s so much growth, opportunity, and favor to be had.

I hope that as you point out your transitional periods, you’ll tackle them head on. With God on your side, you’re going to prosper, no matter how murky and unfamiliar it seems. Allow yourself to be available for all that God has planned for you. Don’t let the comfort of sameness keep you stagnant.

We grow up so we can glo’ up! Let’s get it, twentysomethings!