Going into my junior year of college, I was performing in LA during the summer with a show group and was invited by an agent to relocate there and become a studio vocalist. A tempting invitation to any collegiate vocal music major, my fellow ensemble members were amazed that I did not immediately agree to this opportunity. I was facing a divergent road where each path would have a distinctively different effect on the rest of my life. Something (or someone) told me to wait, take time to weigh my options, and pray.
After discussion with family, careful consideration, and prayer, it became obvious that God had other plans for me. I remember praying and remembering that our faith teaches us to live for others; quitting college for the Hollywood lifestyle would be me doing something really cool for myself. The more I thought about that, the more uncomfortable I became. Finishing college and teaching would allow me to use my talents and interests to mentor other young people. I decided to stay the course and felt peaceful and convicted.
There have been many other big decisions and divergent roads since then: staying home to raise a family, gradually going back to work, and ending up full-time at church, among others. Prayer has always been first and foremost when considering which path to take. I truly believe that God has always guided me to where he wants me to be. I am so peaceful and pleased that I have enjoyed a lifetime of sharing music with young people. I have also cherished my time volunteering/working for the liturgy of the Church, which holds so much meaning for me.
I often wonder who I may have become had I taken that other road so long ago. With faith, I stayed on God’s course, and I truly believe that he continues to save me.
