The College Application Process Is Driving us Nuts

Life is a constant battle of trusting the process. Because even our best laid out plans can change and usually have constant twists and turns.

This has been true in our ministry, businesses, infertility, adoption, our daughters scoliosis journey and now the college application process.

I know the college application process looks different with each child, and it should, each kid is different. Sometimes it’s simple and straight forward and sometimes it’s very complex. We’re in the complex department over here.

So, here we are, still in the midst of waiting for 5 school decisions, each week getting emails about applying for new scholarships or being a finalist in one thing or another and the government STILL does not have the FAFSA to the universities. It’s been stressful, a TON of work, tested patience, already had disappointments and it’s not over yet. Are these first world problems? Yes. Are they still stressful? Yes.

I have said on more than one occasion with a fist in the air, “You better have a good plan here God.”

Here are some things I am reminding myself and my daughter of in this newest “growth opportunity” :

• Taking some deep breaths or going for a walk is helpful. Seriously.
• God has provided for us this far and I don’t think He’ll stop now.
• This is preparing me for something in the future.
• Success or failure doesn’t determine your value.
• God wastes nothing, even the frustrating things.
• Who I am becoming in this process matters most.
• I am not alone in this.
• It’s always better to be in the arena trying and failing than sitting back and doing nothing at all.
• Keep doing your next right thing.

Any other parents out there in the college application process with their kids? How are you doing? What mantras do you have on repeat?