My church recently finished the One Month to Live series and even though I was only able to be home for one Sunday it really got me thinking. I told you how I was before college so now let me tell you what Judson has taught me so far.

            When I came to Judson I was ambitious and aimed way past the stars. I have no doubt I really could have been the best reconstructive surgeon ever known to man and I could have touched so many lives that way but without God's blessing it was all worthless. I never would have succeeded trying to do something that was all me and he was just along for the ride. God reassured me of that real quick my first semester here at Judson. He showed me how much of a struggle and how unrewarding it would be to go against his will. I never had terrible grades or anything but for the first time I struggled in my classes and I had no drive.

            One night I finally broke down before God and let him have total control. I realized I was scared and was not trusting God. God had no play-by-play to offer me and I just had to be okay with that. It was, and often still is, extremely hard to accept but I know God has even greater things in store for me than I ever could have done for myself.

            God has worked through Judson to show me that life really is not about planning your every move but it is about relinquishing control and surrendering completely to our awesome maker. In the end, he really does know what is best for us. We cannot have all the answers even though it is an inconvenience; we just have to trust and let things happen.

            Everything happens for a reason. I always say, "If it's meant to be it will be." I have been reminded by the One Month to Live focus that every moment is special. We have to live each day, each moment as if it were our last because we never really know when our time is up. I encourage you to not miss opportunities, take chances, love, and most of all, make things right. If you need to apologize to someone, do it. If you have not accepted God, just do it. Make amends and live life to the fullest, not just sometimes but all the time.

            I leave you with one thought: "We all have a time and it always comes but until then, love is the best thing going..." Never forget to tell those around you that you love them, you may never get another chance.