Last week, I went on my first college tour - to a great university that I really wasn't thinking I would like.
I was consumed with intense nervousness, not because of the tour process itself, but because I was terrified of making the wrong choice. Financially, attending this particular university made a lot more sense in comparison to the bigger, more-renowned schools I was interested in. I mean, really, I'm planning to major in Journalism - what's the difference if I'm not at a college that specializes in cameras around necks and walking around with notepads? As far as distance, it was a healthy, hour-long drive: not too close but also not too far, enabling me to still attain the "college experience" while being a safe hour away if my car falls apart. Still, it just didn't feel right; this is the same campus that the majority of my peers rushed to attend following graduation. I enjoy the company of those that surround me, but I was looking forward to the newness of it all: new people, new environment, new life on my own, all of it. From cooking my own meals to grocery shopping, I was ready to go. This just wasn't the place I had in mind; it seemed to me to be too ordinary, seeing as though just about everyone I know resides on its campus, and I set my sights on something a little "out of the box."
To my surprise, I left with an undeniably bright, unfading smile on my face. I actually liked what I saw, I even loved it. From the gorgeous brick buildings and walkways, to the personable staff, I fell in love. Even then, I was confused; this wasn't supposed to be where I ended up and it definitely wasn't what I had in mind. How did I end up loving this place when I thought I would hate it?
That night, when I was aching to crawl in bed and drift away, God was tapping on my shoulder, leading me to Grace Thornton's "I Don't Wait Anymore" sitting at the foot of my bed. I reluctantly sat up, snatched the book and was immediately floored. The first sentence I read boldly stated, "It wasn't her wasteland; it was her story, and it was happening on purpose, being written by a loving God." It went on to discuss how God throws us onto different paths just when we think we've got it all planned out - onto His path. I couldn't believe what I was reading, and I was more awake than ever to quickly turn pages, anxiously awaiting what the next flip of a page would bring.
God, like he always does, reached out and grabbed me by the shoulders, shaking me out of my reality and reminding me that what is waiting around the unexpected bend is not "Plan B" - it is His plan.
God,
I toured Louisiana Tech University today, as you are well aware, I'm sure. I was undeniably nervous just because I was scared - scared of making the wrong choice, scared of disappointment, scared of failure. It just didn't feel like the appropriate fit for me, it never has. This afternoon, I left with a smile on my face and a new dream in my heart: to major in Journalism at Louisiana Tech University next fall. You got me, I get it. Tonight, you were calling me to listen: this is NOT plan B.
Amen.
With that, I traded my blind perspective and the lack of trust in my pocket with an attitude ready to tackle adventure, ready to start with the ultimate plan. Go Dawgs!
