It was easy for me to trust God about the whole college thing. I never questioned the going or not going. In my mind, the answer had always been I was going.
This might surprise you, given the fact that my parents and I had a lot to figure out. The transition from high school to college involves many details for people with disabilities. At the time, I was not overwhelmed or concerned. I trusted. And I let my excitement carry me far from any fears.
I wasn’t just going to college down the road. I was moving 2 and 1/2 hours away and that meant I needed quite a few people to help me in the everyday. And find people to stay each night. For 4 years.
Of course, you’re not planning for the entire 4 years when you start. You look at one semester and come up with a plan. Then you take the next semester and continue that plan or create a new one.
All of this has been a part of an ongoing conversation with a new friend. She needs advice as she is beginning her own journey to attend college. I’m trying to mentor her through the challenges and share my experience in hopes of providing ideas that will also work for her.
The conversations have reminded me of the difficult moments we did face years ago. The process is not easy when it feels like you’re navigating the questions and the red tape on your own. You don’t always find the right people to help you until one option fails.
I could have panicked when all the attendants we thought we had hired quit before classes had even begun.
I could have thrown in the towel when there was a pretty big conflict with my 2 main caregivers the first year.
I could have wanted to change home health agencies when people continued to be no-shows.
Yes, I was upset when things happened, but I still trusted deep down. I trusted God who led me on this path. He would see me through any obstacle.
Trust is not a once-and-done thing. It’s an ongoing commitment to know God is walking with you.
Wherever He is leading, we can trust it will be good. He brought me through the college days. My job back then was to not give up at the first sign of trouble. And trust that another, better option was coming.
And this, my friends, is still my job today.
Trust. Keep looking. Don’t lose hope.
P.S. I have a hard time writing for just five minutes. I don’t like to leave my thoughts hanging, so hopefully you don’t mind. Freedom, anyone?
Yes!! freedom… I take it, to (the liberty to go over the five) many times… I’m afraid. Great words – here tonight. Wow… you’ve walked quite the path – there in college. I like this line …
Trust is not a once-and-done thing. It’s an ongoing commitment to know God is walking with you.
Thank you, for sharing. I’m one of your neighbors, by the way, two doors down… over there in FMF. Just thought I’d stop by to say hello.
Haha, I’m glad the 5 minute rule isn’t strict. 😉 Thanks for visiting!
Tried to comment on your post, but it didn’t work for me… good words though! I also hold on to the verse in Psalm 27, “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living…”
Laura,
I came across your blog on FMF. I’m so glad I found this place! You are doing a wonderful job demonstrating trust in God. He really does know what He is doing. He redeems every situation given to Him in faith and He makes strongest those the world views as weak. The world has no clue what real strength and courage look like. They kept waiting for the Messiah to come on a war horse with an army and overthrow the Romans. In stead He came riding a donkey and was killed for the redemption of the world. Keep showing what trust in Him looks like! He lives! We can be of good cheer no matter what other circumstances we face.
God Bless You!
Thank you, Amy! God knows and we can hold on to that ALL the time. 🙂
Did you write a FMF post this week too?
Beautiful message Laura I need to be reminded of this often, when things get crazy. Thank you.
When things get crazy…yes. Me too. I need these reminders right now actually. Our own words can teach ourselves. 😉