In high school, I fell out of my relationship with God. As an athlete, I typically had a game or practice almost every day of the week, and although I realize now that is not a valid excuse, I always felt then as if "I didn't have the time".

Coming to college, I wanted to be able to better my relationship with the Lord. I knew I had distanced myself over the course of my past four years, and I regretted that. I wanted to be a strong woman of faith. I wanted to know God personally. I wanted to have the same fire for God that I did growing up when I went to Sunday school every week. I wanted to find the "child" in me again. I wanted it all, but more importantly I wanted him. What I did not realize, is that God was still working through me, even when I did not notice.

I have always been a slight perfectionist when it comes to most things in my life. My grades, my artwork, my clothes, and my appearance have all been majorly affected by this struggle of mine. I came to college with that same need for control. I wanted to control my life, my grades, and my college experience. Little did I know, there was someone above me who already had me all figured out and planned out.

As of recently, I've had this recent desire to let go. Although I still struggle with feeling like a perfectionist, I realized that the problem came from feeling as if I was never good enough. Now with a fire for God (and priority on my relationship with him), I experience the feeling of being good enough. Throughout my life, I constantly felt the pressure to have to impress others, but what I wasn't realizing is that the others did not matter. The only person I should've cared about impressing was God and God doesn't even need that validation to still love me. He's been there for me, never given up on me, and he has put me in every position in my life for a reason.

As I continue to grow in my faith every day, I see God working wonders in my life. He has encouraged me to be more relaxed about things. I trust that God has a plan for my life, and it has allowed me to not be so stressed out. Instead of worrying, I pray. Instead of sitting in my dorm, I go to youth group and surround myself with girls that encourage me to love myself and the Lord.

It is amazing the things I have learned about myself and about life since I choose to actively pursue a deeper relationship with God. I believe I am in a great place today because God has put me there. I have gone through many tribulations, but God has made sure I make it through.

It's crazy to me to think that I once thought I "didn't have the time." Time isn't even a valid answer. There are some days when my schedule is filled to the brim, but I know deep inside that my heart still yearns for God and his light. I am so glad I can say that in college, I still have a strong faith. I have progress to make, but I have managed to see a large difference since high school.

I would not be the same person if it weren't for putting my trust in God. He is always watching over me. He has a plan for me bigger than myself. He has blessed me with an amazing life, and I feel so much better and healthier knowing I have God with me. I am so glad I have God in my college years, for he has truly saved me.