Meanwhile

This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to go to my first Crossroads which is a retreat for upperclassmen so that they can gain insight and wisdom into how to approach their future while also making sure Christ is at the center of those plans.

I'm still trying to process this weekend because so much happened: so much was talked about, so much was seen and there was a lot to ruminate on. It is crazy to think I almost did not come but a last minute decision turned out to be a great one.

Over the course of the weekend James White spoke on Genesis highlighting the initial fall of Adam and Even along with the trials of Joseph. Here are a few key point that stuck out. First of all, each of us has a story which we already know the ending to, because Jesus has already sealed our future if we only accept Him into our lives. It is then a decision whether we allow God to write our story as He would have it or we try and take control ourselves.

Surrender is key because we have a God who certainly does not need us at all, but out of His love he want the best for us. He is not a God of restriction but a God of freedom who did not give up on us even when we so quickly fell away from Him. The whole narrative of the Bible starting with Genesis is a redemptive tale characterized by a stumble and stomp mentality. The pages of this book are filled with sinful, broken individuals who stumble but ultimately they have a moment when they crush the adversary. The ultimate example is Christ on the cross after who bore all the wrath in order that it could be stomped out for good.

Sometimes the dreams that we have for our lives are deferred and their can often be a sense of tension or confusion in those moments. But as He proved with Joseph, God is the God of the MEANWHILE. He is working even we don't think He is or cares. He has a plan even when we can not possibly see where it is going. We can find hope in the MEANWHILE because more often than not it can lead to an unexpected ending far greater than we could have ever imagined. I see this in the life of Joseph and I see it even in my own life.

Honestly, I came to Crossroads because I wanted to see Puerto Rico friends and I got to do that which was great. However, this conference had so much to offer through seminars, coaching and activities meant to guide me as I continue to think about my future. I got excited to be able to dig in with friends and acquaintances as we continually try and figure out how to better live our lives more and more surrendered to Christ. There are different options on the table and many exciting opportunities for a lot of students and I am grateful for what the Lord is doing.

I was also immensely thankful to not just learn more about my strengths and opportunities, but also to simply talk with my peers. This weekend was a wonderful time to refresh each other and share truthfully where we are at. We shared our thoughts, our fears and many laughs. I left the conference genuinely thankful for this opportunity to connect with other students and staff who I consider to be my brothers and sisters (They know who they are). I am exceedingly grateful for them and also that our God is the God of the MEANWHILE. He is working even when we can't see it. He will guide our story if we only let Him.

All the glory be His. Happy Thanksgiving!