When I Start to Miss Michigan. . .

I have to remind myself why I am in Oklahoma.
And how hard it was to get here.

I'd wanted to be in Oklahoma since I was little. I wanted to go to OC so I could grow up and be just like my aunt Kim. I had decided on Oklahoma Christian right up until May of my senior year when I stayed home in Michigan (for a boy, no less) and went to Rochester.

Every year, since my freshman year at Rochester, I looked and looked for how to transfer. And every year, I got talked out of it. Something came up as a better reason, or a better opportunity to stay home.

I was packed and ready to move to Oklahoma in 2005, but I got sick. Then I got a job offer in Detroit. I stayed. Again.

Here's what I'm getting at, though.
Something about Oklahoma has been calling me. Every year. Since I was little.
But every year, when I've tried, it's never been the right time.

Enter spring break 2006.
My parents were in Oklahoma for Spring Sing, and I had talked about moving with them. We'd all agreed that it would be good to do sometime soon. Maybe that fall. Maybe the next summer. No definite plans. . .just knowing it would happen.
But while my parents were gone, I packed up my car.
I packed up my car, made plans with Eric and Becca Sharp to live with them until I could save up money and find some place else to live. And I left.

I still believe that I would be in Michigan right now if I had not left while my parents were gone. And I know I complain about missing Michigan all the time. But the truth is, if I was still in Michigan, my heart would still be pulling me toward Oklahoma.
I had to leave. I had to go be on my own for a little while. And I had to do it on my own.

I met my parents for the night on my way down, while they were on their way up. We said our goodbyes, and my dad did the, "are you sure?" speech. And we parted ways in the morning. Scared to death, but excited as I've ever been, I drove the 9 hours past the point of no return to Edmond, Oklahoma.

So when I start to miss Michigan, I just have to remember that I am here for a reason.
Sometimes you just have to pick up and go.
Don't look back.
Cry about missing Michigan.
And trust that I will end up where God wants me to be.