Three weeks ago today I applied to Ecola Bible School here in Cannon Beach, Oregon. A lot went on in order for me to make this decision so here is the story. The fall of 2011 as I was entering into my senior year of high school, I had finally begun to think about college. And well unlike many of my peers I was not spending each waking moment filling out college applications and scholarships. If I were to be honest with you, I was procrastinating. Unlike most times when I procrastinate this time was different. I never felt like I should apply because nothing I was passionate about needed a degree. (I still feel this way.) People everywhere were trying to put their two cents in about this big decision and I became very overwhelmed. After a couple trips to some Christian colleges and Bible schools and applying to the local university, I made the decision to take a year off. Taking the year off was probably the best decision I could have ever made. I spent the summer on the Oregon coast working at the Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center. The timing was perfect. I spent the summer solidifying my relationship with Christ. And can I just say this? Solidifying my relationship with Christ was a beautiful process. (I am still learning new things each day, falling more in love with Christ, and don't have all of the answers. And yet I have this joy in me knowing God is with me and my identity is found in Him and Him alone.)
My gap year consisted of many challenges and those challenges are probably some of the most defining moments in my life so far. I still have not been able to process everything from this past year. I know God was right by my side through it all though. And I have recently discovered that I don't think I was "ready" for Bible school or a university last year. Through each challenge. Through each curve ball. I grew more curious and I have more unanswered questions.
Now here I am working in Cannon Beach once again and quite a few people have been telling me I should apply to Ecola. I am learning I am stubborn. So my response to these people would always be no. Until one Friday evening I was having a conversation with my small group leader after our Bible study. He told me some stuff that really made me think. I spent that evening in prayer and in my Bible. I made the choice to apply to Ecola the following Monday. The application was difficult for me. I over-think, I second guess, and I struggle when it comes to writing because I never think what I say makes sense to everyone else. (Ha ironic that I am trying to blog? Nah I am just trying to step out of my comfort zone. And hoping a blog will help me become more confident in expressing my life and thoughts to the world.) Anyways I finished the application and sent out my reference forms. While waiting to hear whether or not I was accepted, I never really got caught up in the unknown because there was too many other things to focus on. I would have not wanted it any other way. The evening of August 8th I checked my e-mail and saw I had received an e-mail from Ecola. And yup it was an e-mail that said I was accepted into Ecola for this fall. I am beyond excited for school to begin. And it is all because I have no reason to doubt that this is part of God's plan. His hand has been in this whole decision. He is the one changing and softening my heart. He is the one who I give all of the glory and honor to. God is good. The details are a work in progress but you want to know something I am not a bit concerned because I know who goes before me. God knows.
For I know the plans I have you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
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