There’s something about achieving one of life’s great milestones that causes a person to reflect back on their life. After graduating college, I realize how quick it all came and went. So many memories were made with even more challenges that were faced. Once looking back on my experience in college, the only question in my head is how in the heck did I get here?!
How did I go from being a third string goalkeeper at a division II college to a graduate from BGSU and about to be apart of the World Race?! It’s incredible, really. And those of you that knew me growing up can see how radical of a change this truly is for me. Perhaps some of you have also wondered how I have gotten to where I am today.
To put it simply….
Jesus.
My whole life I grew up knowing many things about God, but never God Himself. It would be like the equivalent of me saying that I know who John Mayer is because I read his profile on the Internet and the stories about him in magazines. But we both know that I don’t actually know JM because I never had any sort of relationship with him. That’s how it was with me and Jesus. I read stories about him and knew who He was, but I never had a relationship with Him.
I finally got to a point in my life where I realized that something was missing (rather, someone was missing). The years leading up to this point I had tried filling this void with anything but Jesus: parties, alcohol, friends, relationships with guys, etc.
Nothing worked.
In fact, it left me feeling even more empty than before. God led me to a place of complete brokenness before I could see that He was the only one that could restore me. Jesus was the One that came to bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom for the captives. In December 2012 I finally made the decision to surrender my entire life to Him – not just parts of it.
It was the greatest and hardest thing I have ever done. Christ was able to shine a light on all the pain of my life that I wanted to forget. He has brought tremendous healing in the most broken areas of my heart. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the grace and love of my Savior. My Rock. My Redeemer.
But my story isn’t over yet. There are still many things I need healing from and sin that Jesus still needs to take care of. I stumble, I fall, and I don’t claim to be perfect. In fact, I would say that I’m still pretty messed up – but I’m His mess. I’m living proof that God can turn the broken pieces of your life into a beautiful masterpiece.
