Worried about your future?

AARON CRANFORD — STAFF

My worries followed me into the summer, when I was working as a counselor-in-training (CIT) at a camp for Christian Scientists. I couldn’t stop thinking about where I was going to go to college, and I was also focused on my upcoming soccer season. I was so distracted by these concerns that it took a toll on my ability to participate in activities at camp. 

One day, I felt so unhappy that I thought I wouldn’t be able to continue working at camp. But then something popped into my head that my mom had always told me when I felt out of place or homesick: With God, I would always be in my right place. And if something seems like it’s not right, then God will lead the way to what is. As helpful as this idea was for me, I wanted to go deeper with it and to understand my “right place” and what that would mean for my future after camp.

My answer came one morning when I read an article called “Place.” It was just what I needed. It explained that the place you need, needs you, and that God, divine Principle, brings need and supply together. I continued to think about this idea a lot, and it was very comforting. I loved the concept of a place “needing me” and of God, who I’ve learned in Christian Science is good and all-power, directing and guiding me in all my decisions. As I prayed with these ideas, I felt calmer.

Later in the summer, I found out that I’d been offered the opportunity to attend a school in Colorado for my senior year, but it meant I might not be able to continue playing soccer. 

I continued praying. I revisited the article, and another idea jumped out at me. It related to listening to and obeying God when He gives us direction. This idea stuck out to me because I’ve learned that being quiet and listening to God is the best way to know what to do when at a crossroads. God is infinite Love and intelligence, so there’s no better or more reliable source for guidance. I’ve also learned that patience is helpful when listening to God, and this helped me let go of my preconceived ideas about what might be best and trust God.

Soon, all the pieces fell into place for college, and I knew it was the right decision to accept the offer to play soccer at this college. Tying down the continuation of my soccer career meant that I felt free to take advantage of the opportunity to spend my senior year in Colorado. It was so clear to me that this was the God-directed path that I stopped worrying and just felt grateful for God’s guidance. Although I had a few concerns about what my future would look like because of these decisions, I trusted that my prayers were leading me to my right place.

As the summer came to an end, I visited this college and felt even more confident that it was just what I needed. I’ll be able to continue my soccer career there, while also enjoying my senior year in a new state at a new school—both of which are blessings. 

Best of all, I was able to conclude my summer at camp free from worry and to feel I’d had a full and joyful CIT experience.

Praying through my concerns about the future really strengthened my trust in God and taught me that I can let go of my fears and know that God is always directing and guiding me.