It is crazy to think that it was only one year ago that I decided to take a break for school. When I took the year off, I pictured a year of discovering myself, making sure that nursing was what I wanted to do, and a time of constantly hanging out with friends and travelling. I also had some medical stuff that needed to be taken care of, but I was focusing more on the fun. I figured I would enjoy this little break from reality and then I would head back to school in the spring of 2013 rested and ready to finish college. Boy, was I wrong!
Don’t get me wrong, I got to hang out with my friends from time to time and I confirmed that nursing was what I was supposed to be doing. I also got those health problems resolved, but God had something completely different in mind. He used this year to help me strengthen my relationship with my family, to gain more medical knowledge, and to learn more about myself. I also got a taste of how difficult it is to work and have friendships and see my family and make time for Him. He also used this year to guide me towards the World Race.
When I started this year, I made a “to do” list. On it was a whole bunch of places I wanted to visit and activities I wanted to do. I didn’t even do half. However, one of those activities was to go on a missions trip. It was already August and I still hadn’t signed up for a missions trip, let alone look up ones I might be interested in. My church was sending a group to Mexico in September and I thought that would be good enough to “check off” the trip on my to do list. However, I didn’t feel satisfied. I was looking at trips and, long story short, my cousin told me about the Race. Immediately, I knew that this was what I was supposed to do next.
God used this one-year of my life to prepare me for my new “One Year Assignment:” The World Race. Everyone asks me “Wow, one year, that’s a long time, how are you going to be able to make it that long from home?” My answer ranges depending on my anxiety level, but the best answer I have is “God guided me through my last 21 years, He can help me get through this one.”
What is God asking you to do with just one year of your life? And how will His answer change the rest of your life?
