Hundreds of runners pumped their fists, half smiling as worn rubber soles carried them over the last steps through the finish line. They had made it. Their dedication to every mile, every physical therapy exercise, or sore legs had led them to this moment. If not for their commitment to the race, to the sport, and feeling of the breathes that followed when the legs slowed down, the finish line would not have come.  As the laughter subsided and the plates were cleared, one of the Young Life leaders started our devotional before club. She mentioned how we were all tired and stressed. I thought about how my days had…

Writing this, it’s a little over an hour until I turn 21 years old. Over two decades on earth, living these years. This is my beautiful, messy, amazing life. I’ve met so many beautiful people, heard unbelievable stories, witnessed the innumerable ways God works daily, taken breathtaking adventures, learned new (and sometimes hard) lessons, and put in my best efforts one day at a time.  Here’s 21 things I’ve learned in 21 years:  1. God loves you. Yes. Our Savior made you and knows you. He loves you more than you know. Jesus is the greatest love story.  2. Community is everything. Thinking about all the people who have cared deeply…