Don't Regret Your London

I’ll be honest with you.

I was one of those college students that couldn’t commit to a major. I was interested in so many subjects. I started off studying audio production, but it was too technical. I switched to photography but decided it would be hard to make a living as a photographer. So, I switched to exercise and nutrition, but it was a lot of science and I don’t have a scientific mind. I went through three degrees in two years.

Then, junior year, I had an opportunity to study in Colorado Springs at the Focus on the Family Leadership Institute. Though Focus is still doing incredible things, the Leadership Institute shut down a couple years ago. I still dream of being a part of its resurrection.

But that’s not the point.

The point is while I was studying in Colorado, I felt God calling me into ministry. I didn’t know what that meant. All I knew was that God was calling me to give my life to serving His people.

I went back home and decided to pursue a degree in psychology. I thought maybe God was calling me to be a counselor. I took one counseling course and realized I was NOT wired to be a counselor but with three semesters left was already barely going to graduate on time. So, I finished my psychology degree and resolved to figure it out upon graduation.

I honestly didn’t know what to do. I was serving in the youth ministry at the church I was attending and really fell in love with this crew of middle school girls.

Do you remember middle school? It is ROUGH. It’s that awkward period between being a child and a teenager and, man, it’s just a confusing time. I loved those girls because I remembered what it was like to be them. I thought maybe God was calling me into student ministry.

Then, the summer before my senior year, I went to a leadership conference all on my own. I knew no one. I was staying in a hotel by myself. I was just there to listen and learn.

But there was this group attending the conference – and they noticed I was sitting alone. They invited me to sit with them, hung out with me during the breaks, and took me to dinner (and even paid for me) every night. They were so kind and quickly felt like friends.

They asked me about where I felt God was calling me. I told them what I’d been thinking. It turns out they were from London (I’d already gathered that from their accent) and they were looking for a student ministry leader. They offered me the role on the spot. They’d pay to move me to London and I could start whenever I wanted.

I said no.

I had another year left to finish my degree and didn’t feel qualified to accept the position they were offering. And, to be honest, I was afraid to move so far away. I was twenty-one and still felt so young.

I’m really grateful for where I am and what I’m doing. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m near family. I get to hang out with my nieces and nephews every week. I love my friends. I love my church. I love what I do and I love how I spend my days.

But I’ve thought about that offer at least once a month for the last fifteen years.

I wonder what it would have been like to just take it – to say yes to that adventure.

I don’t regret the life I’ve had.

But I wonder. And I kind of wish I’d taken the leap.

Most choices aren’t irreversible. If it’s not the right fit, you can change course.

But there are opportunities that come once in a lifetime. If you take them and it’s not right, you can opt out. But if you don’t take them, you can’t get them back.

I don’t know what opportunities you have. You may not feel qualified. You may be scared. You may feel like once you take it there’s no turning back.

That’s usually not the case.

I love the life I have. I am so grateful for the entire journey.

But I wish I’d gone to London. I wish I’d gone on that adventure.

Don’t regret your London.