"They called it Paradise"

A wise man recently told me to listen to "The Last Resort" by the Eagles. He said to really listen to the lyrics and what they are saying. I have listened to the song several times now and have grown to appreciate how much this song relates to my current situation. As most of you know, my main goal after graduation is to head west, to Los Angeles, California. The entire song is talking about a girl following her dreams: 

She heard about a place people were smilin',

They spoke about the red man's way, how they loved the land

And they came from everywhere to the Great Divide

Seeking a place to stand or a place to hide

Now, why do I want to go to Cali? Well, when I interned out in LA a few summer's ago, I fell in love with the town and the people in it:

Down in the crowded bars out for a good time,

Can't wait to tell you all what it's like up there

And they called it paradise, I don't know why

Somebody laid the mountains low while the town got high

Since I left the west coast, I have been doing everything in my power to go back. Last semester I interviewed for a staffing job, that would place me right back in downtown Los Angeles after graduation, and got it. I told God that all I cared about was getting to LA and I was so happy it was happening. Well, a few weeks later, I found out that the company was placed under new management and I would have to re-interview for the position. After several emails and months of waiting for a decision, I found out that I did not get the job after all. So...

Who will provide the grand design, what is yours and what is mine?

'Cause there is no more new frontier, we have got to make it here

We satisfy our endless needs and justify our bloody deeds

In the name of destiny and in the name of God

Who will provide the grand design? God will. He is in charge of my future. Everything that happens is because He wants it to.  Yes, I was frustrated. Yes, I was sad. Yes, I was angry. But looking back on the past few years, I have been telling God constantly how focused I was on California. How all I cared about was getting to LA. It wasn't until I hit a roadblock in getting there that I took a step back. I realize now that focusing solely on getting to LA is not going to actually get me anywhere. I have been so caught up with what is next, that I haven't appreciated what I have now. 

I am graduating in 72 days. In 72 days, I am leaving my life in Starkville behind. I am leaving this campus, my sorority, my friends, and the life I have made here, behind. I have been so caught up with future plans, that I haven't been enjoying the last moments here. My friends here. My life here. 

God always has a plan. Yes, I still want to move to Los Angeles. But there are so many great things happening in my life now. It took an old song and a rejection letter to see that. But I am staying positive. 

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

P.S.
That wise man is my stepdad, Jerry Gillikin, who has taught me many lessons in my life, but being patient and keeping my mind on the right track is a big one. Thank you for always having something to say. For being there when I didn't know I needed you. For challenging me to always better myself. Love you.