It's almost time. The time you've been dreaming about for the past forever. You're approaching the day that you walk across that field, or stage, and receive that piece of paper that says you did it. You completed those long years of misery and bliss, and now it's time to start a new chapter in your book. Well, let me tell you, little do you know that it's not a new chapter you'll be starting, but a new book.
At this point, you have your life planned and figured out. You know where you want to go to college. You know what you want to major in. You may be dating your high school sweetheart, and you have your wedding planned to happen by the age of 22. You'll power through college in four years and you'll be ready to start another journey, but there's something you're forgetting....
Life happens.
You've made it into the school you've always wanted to attend, but you realize college is nothing like high school. You fail a class, or two...or three. It sends your GPA into a downward spiral. You stay up long nights trying to study for a test only to fail it. And you ask yourself 'what is wrong with me?' You and your high school sweetheart breakup. Pretty soon you're 20 and still trying to hold onto the last plan you had. Next thing you know you're celebrating your 22nd birthday and about a year and a half behind on graduating. So let me tell you...
THAT'S OKAY.
Your life isn't always going to turn out the way you expect it. You're going to cry a lot and have mental breakdowns. And that's okay. You're going to consume unholy amounts of coffee. You're going to meet several boys, and a few men in college. Hold onto your innocence. It's so easy to get sucked into the "college life" because everyone is doing it. It's okay if you don't graduate in exactly four years. Most, I repeat MOST, people don't. It takes the most beautiful rose longer to bloom. College is hard. Every single decision you make will affect your future. Don't give up hope when you fail a test or a class. Don't give up hope when you go through break ups. Don't give up hope when 98 percent of the dudes you meet only want one thing. You have a plan, and then God has a plan. Whose are you going to listen to?
Call on God. Being in college, living away from your home church, it's hard to wake up on Sunday morning and find a new home church. Do it anyways. Among all of your struggles, don't turn your back on God. He will guide you and show you the way to accomplishing the plan He has set forth. Remember that He gives you the strength to carry on. So when you're curled up in the fetal position, hugging a textbook and praying for a miracle, remember that no matter what it will all be okay and you're not alone.
"As much as you want to plan your life, it has a way of surprising you with unexpected things that will make you happier than you originally planned. That's what you call God's Will."--Unknown.
