His Plan

When I was in High School, I knew I wanted to go to college, but I didn’t know where.

There were no internet searches to depend on.

And frankly, I couldn’t depend on my friends – all of them were a bunch of smarty pants – two of them even went to Harvard. I was not Harvard material.

So, the first turn on my journey of destiny was that someone told us about a woman who was a college counselor. So my Mom and I went to see her.

She asked a bunch of questions and the answers yielded a list of 10 colleges that fit my specifications.

My parents supported me enough that they took me to EVERY one of those campuses. I realize now what a commitment that was on their part.

The ninth campus I walked on was the University of New Hampshire.

That was it – I knew where I wanted to go.

I worked hard on putting in an application and even applied for early admission.

I thought for sure I would get in early. One of the benefits of early admission is that you get to pick your dorm, and I knew exactly where I would pick. It was going to be perfect!

Except, I didn’t get in early admission.

I still remember sitting on the kitchen floor sure that the world was coming to an end.

But, not to worry too much. I did get in regular admission and they picked my dorm.

Alexander Hall.

Of all the dorms on campus, this one was pretty dumpy and it was the only one did not have phones in the room (devastating as an 18 year old girl – 25 girls sharing ONE phone!).

And while I lived there for two years some pretty great things happen.

I met three life long friends, also known as my Betties.

They lift me up, make me laugh and make me want to be a better friend to them with each passing year.

And, I met my husband of 17 years.

If I do nothing else in my life well, I will always know that I chose the most amazing man to be the father of my children.

Alexander Hall was not a pretty place, but it was filled with wonderful people.

People I probably never would have met had I been accepted for early admission and chosen my own dorm.

I think about that often.

How that hard step, of not getting in early, was all part of the plan for the good stuff.

I try to think of that when times are challenging and not going as we think it should.

I read a lot of bloggers talking about letting go and following HIS plan.

I am feeling so thankful that HIS plan lead me to where I am today.