When I was a high school senior, I was daunted by the prospect of searching out and identifying eligible universities, not to mention applying to them and selecting one.

I recall those frenetic days when I was driven to achieve the highest SAT scores, to take as many AP classes and tests as possible, and to be involved in every leadership or community project to make my college applications shine. Taking those steps wasn’t bad, but most of my effort was being poured into making me look like, sound like, even walk like a model student.

But even while I was moving through the counseled college-search choreography, something did not feel right, did not feel honest. It was during this internal turmoil, that a passage in the Bible lit up on my mental screen: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. . . . that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2, 3).

I mentally shot back, almost like texting “WDYM?” Translation: “OK, God, but what do You mean? Which one do You want for me?” This moment was the first turning point in my frantic search: I had heard a God-sent message, and, I had answered! Now it was time to listen to God’s counsel.

Wow! This was a hit-the-brakes moment—a huge paradigm shift for me as a teenager. I had been well instructed by my Sunday School teachers that man (that included me) is God’s loved creation, perfectly designed to fulfill God’s purpose. We aren’t missing anything, and we don’t have too much of anything. Beginning to reason from a more spiritual, Bible-based perspective shifted the whole scene. It led me to participate in my God-centered relationship—to listen and hear how God wanted me to proceed. The school search was an opportunity for me to discover how to pray to, turn to, and communicate with God on my next step down the education path.

One afternoon during this time, I opened the Bible and my eyes fell on Psalm 37. Verses leapt out at me, including this one: “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. . . . The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Ps. 37:4, 5, 23).

Then in the same manner, I looked to Science and Health. What lit up was “God expresses in man the infinite idea forever developing itself, broadening and rising higher and higher from a boundless basis” (p. 258).

Major shift two: Instead of wondering which college or university I should attend, I started asking, “Where will I be a blessing for You, God?” My search was no longer about finding the perfect academic fit or trying to impress; instead, it became an adventure in finding out how God sees me and how I can serve Him.

First I had to stop believing that I was like a blob of clay (or silly putty) that had to take on whatever look, role, character, or qualifications a given school required. I was God’s intelligent, multifaceted, capable, joyous, gifted daughter, and God, as my divine Parent, had my very best interests at heart. It was my job to live out from what God knew of me.

During those months of application writing, interviews, receiving acceptances, and making the final decisions, I sought ideas to keep my thought focused on spiritual facts.

Phrases from a hymn in the Christian Science Hymnal kept reminding me of my truer role:

Man is the noblest work of God,
His beauty, power and grace,
Immortal; perfect as his Mind
Reflected face to face.

And then, from verse two, “Love’s work and Love must fit” (Mary Alice Dayton, Christian Science Hymnal, No. 51).

I identified myself as Love’s work, and so there was a fit for me that God had fashioned. Every time I turned to this hymn, I felt peace, and renewed courage to listen for and be obedient to God’s direction.

I was coming to see that education was a tool to bring forth more of God’s infinite nature expressed. I included whatever opportunities I needed in order to bring forth the good of God. So I naturally gravitated toward, and attracted, the institutions and educators who would best bring forth my gifts. God’s work was not going to stop now.

At first I wasn’t sure whether these spiritual thoughts and reasoning—this prayer—would have any effect. I wondered how all this would translate into the tangible selection of a school. But I soon saw the transforming effects.

One thing that happened was that my application essays changed. The first ones were attempts at clever creativity that would turn a head and make someone remember the essay and, therefore, the applicant. The last few, however, contained essays that were both genuine and creative, and that truly grappled with an idea thoroughly.

Next, the visits and interviews were filled with rich discussions that were not about my paperwork, but how the university and I could synchronize and benefit one another. I came out of each appointment joyous, not second-guessing my performance or denigrating myself.

As the acceptances came in, my new litmus tests were put into action. Does this institution and its atmosphere and offerings have the ability to bring out more of my God-given character? Is this where God wants me to express Her?

One of the universities I highly considered needed to be either accepted or dropped; I kept mulling over its pros and cons against another college in the final decision days. I was caught in the comparisons, and was not taking the quiet time to listen to God’s words. But God finds a way for us to hear His counsel.

At one point, I was walking somewhere and began singing the refrain of the Beatles song, “Let It Be,” when I realized that there was my answer—I could trust God and “let it be.” I let go of one possibility (the university my dad had attended, which had a good reputation and had offered me a substantial scholarship) and instead accepted the college that had been the frontrunner from the beginning. Long story short, I had the funding I needed and it was an amazing four-year college experience.

What I now know is that priceless angel messages guide, awaken, and comfort each of us right where we are. We do have to be receptive and listen, but the guidance is right there for us when we need it.

A prayerful approach had changed my groveling attitude of “getting into a college” to one of bringing forth the varied expressions of a whole, intact, spiritual character. With God as “Counselor,” my educational experience felt so complete. Nothing was left out.