When you are driving down the highway at 80 mph, it is almost impossible to focus on the scenery that is speeding past your window. However, when you park the car on the shoulder for a while, you are finally able to take a look at what's around you. There is time to reflect on where you've come from, and also get a better grasp on where you are going. These past four days have been like that for me. My life is so fast-paced that I never get a chance to just sit. I'm either studying, working, traveling, entertaining, catching up, or sleeping. It isn't until I got o sleep at night that I can finally take a breath, only to fill the next day's schedule before it even begins again. Well, because of my wisdom teeth surgery I have finally been forced to slow down. Just like when you pull your car over on a highway, I have finally been able to take a look at where I am. Here are a few things that I have realized:

• I am a great student. In high school, I took everything for granted. I got pretty decent grades, but I only did as much as was necessary to keep everything afloat. Now that I'm in college, however, I take school very seriously. I study very hard, and I love what I am studying. I made a 3.8 this semester, and that was all because of MY work. For once, I'm genuinely proud of myself and where I am going.

• I am going to be a nurse. Naturally, this is something I should have realized when I chose "nursing" as my major. However, it is really hitting me now that I am about to start clinicals. I don't think I've ever been so excited about anything in my life. I get to meet new people every day. Each time that I go to work, I will have a chance to change someone's life. That is amazing to me! You never know how much of an impact you can have on someone. People who are in hospitals are at the most vulnerable points in their lives, meaning I will have a lot of responsibility. I just can't wait!
  

• Jesus really has given me a new life. I have been reading my bible a lot more now that I have some more time. It's amazing what God will say to you when you actually take the time to listen. On Sunday, Perry talked about the woman who touched Jesus' cloak and was healed. He said that is every Christian's story once he or she is saved. I started thinking about my story, and it takes my breath away. I was completely helpless. I was lost, alone, and spiraling toward self-destruction. I can't even describe how messed up I was. Then Jesus took my hand and led me home. He didn't just change a few things. He changed EVERYTHING. I can honestly say that I am a brand new person with a brand new heart and brand new dreams!
  

Even though I am sitting here on the couch with several drugs in my system and cheeks that look like bowling balls, I feel so refreshed. It is wonderful to gain such a new perspective on life. As soon as I get better, I am going to put this new attitude to use! I'm going to live a life that is so full of love, passion, and God that people will have no choice but to seek Him!!!