This past week, my dog, Brandy, got a cone from the vet so she wouldn't scratch or further injure a spot on her neck--and she has had a rough time of it.

Most of the time, she refuses to drink water or eat because of how the cone creates an obstacle for her. She no longer knows how to walk up and down stairs with it because she can't see the steps and so she's scared. For her, walking around the house is a struggle because if she takes a sharp turn, she's stuck. Or if she walks into a tight space, she often doesn't know how to turn around to get out of it. She feels lost and disoriented. Normal tasks are hard for her and she can't understand why. Her whole routine and way of doing things is disrupted by this thing that she didn't even agree to.

Sometimes, in life we are faced with an obstacle. Whether it be a vague uncertainty for the future, or a physical obstacle, it can feel insurmountable. It can feel as if there is no way around it and we feel stuck because we can't think of a way out of it.

My obstacle right now is deciding my plans after I graduate. There are applications, recommendation letters and portfolios to prepare and standardized tests to take; it all feels so overwhelming to tackle. I feel an immense pressure to decide it all right now, and so one of the things I have to remember is that I'm not alone in making this decision. Sure, I have friends, family and my academic advisor/professors to help me (all very good resources), but I have one other option, one that will put my mind at ease and guide me through my life: God.

He has a plan for my life: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11). This verse has always comforted me when I feel lost, or feel like I can't go forward. I have to remember that He has a plan for me and will help guide me in my life choices. This verse also means that He will never leave me, or stop caring about my life because I am precious to Him.

Ultimately, I will have to decide what I want to do after graduation, but I can put my mind at ease by knowing that I can pray about it and know that it is the best route for my life to take.

I don't have to worry about what the future holds, because I know who holds the future.