What 21 Taught Me…
On Saturday August 10, 2018, I was walking around Saint Stephens Green in Dublin, Ireland, preparing to fulfil a childhood dream of seeing Riverdance on my 21stbirthday.
Fast forward 1 year and I am so incredibly amazed at the ways God has been working in my life. From the way this post is written so far, you might be expecting me to say that I have met The Guy, the one that I believe God has set aside for me. Sorry to disappoint, but as far as I know, I haven’t. The blessings I have experienced over the past year are all about my relationship with God.
I was so blessed to get to spend the first half of my 21styear in Belgium meeting my awesome family and growing in my faith. I was challenged to make my faith my own because I was surrounded by people that do not share my beliefs and I can honestly say that that was the best thing that could have happened to my 21-year-old self. For the first time in my life, I had to make my faith my own. Sure, I came back to Christianity in my early 20’s but until last July I had constantly been surrounded by an awesome Christian support system. The first thing that 21 taught me was to own my faith.
While I was in Europe, I learnt about listening – that is, listening to God. I truly came to understand that God speaks to us in many, many ways, some that we discount far too quickly. God speaks through His word, the bible, even when we don’t think that it applies to us. My favourite way that I learnt that God speaks to me is through creative inspiration. I truly believe that some of my best ideas, including this blog and the posts that will be written come from God. I learnt that He speaks, and I am His vessel. It’s a great feeling! The second thing 21 taught me was that He speaks, I just have to be patient enough to listen.
The second half of my 21styear taught me about true Christian community. After much prayer, I felt that my word for 2019 was meant to be ‘community’, and boy oh boy have I found one beyond my wildest hopes, prayers and expectations! Coming home in February, I had the desire to really get involved with the Melbourne Union Christian Union (CU). God has used this desire and talents I barely knew I had to grow His Kingdom and has given me the gift of seeing that very Kingdom grow! Being able to pour into people and also be poured into by people who are striving every day to be more like Jesus is the greatest reward. The third thing 21 taught me is what true Christian community looks like.
21 has been amazing, I learnt all of these things and so SO many more and I cannot wait to see what God will teach me at 22. I can’t wait to share the journey with you, sister!
Blessings,
Caitlin xo
@caitlinsgrant
You can check out my ’21 things I learnt at 21’ video on Youtube: Caitlin Schaub Grant