A Perfect Fit

       The past few weeks I have had many opportunities to reflect on the reality that Landon will be leaving for college in about a year. The biggest looming question now is: Where?    I don't know that fact yet, but one thing I can say with certainty is that I am at peace about the places that Landon is contemplating. I believe he has found what might be a perfect fit. 

      This idea of a perfect fit got me thinking about jean's shopping.  I don't particularly care for this type of shopping as I always have a difficult time finding jeans that fit well.  But, when I am in a dressing room and I slip the perfect pair of jeans on my body........well......let's just say that it feels really good and I just know.  This usually comes after trying on more than 15 pairs and thinking that I am never going to find a pair that is just for me.  But, when I do, my perceptions change and the process of finding the perfect fitting jeans is complete. No sagging, not too tight, no pulling and the perfect length.    I know this might sound silly, but for me this is true. There is no other question about other pairs that I have tried.  I know that this is the right one and I make a beeline for the cash register!!

     The process of touring and visiting colleges has been a long one..........(just ask Dalton and he will confirm that! )  We started last March and over Spring Break we really buckled down and visited many different schools.  I remember clearly after each visit asking Landon what he thought and it was usually "I liked it."  Nothing more and nothing less than "I liked it." Now I do know that my son is not a young man of many words, but I knew that his answer was just a rote one and I observed nothing different in his demeanor that would indicate otherwise.  I started to worry.  About what you may ask??  Well, if I really reflect on that question, I don't really know what I was worried about because I knew that Landon would go to college.  I just had not yet observed Landon with the "perfect fit".  I didn't know what this would look like, but I prayed that in my heart I would know.  


In late July, Dan and I took Landon to North and South Carolina to do the last of our two tours of colleges. I was hoping that one of these colleges might be the one, but I was trying not to get my hopes up too high.  On the first day, we toured and talked with the wrestling coach.  We ate lunch in the cafeteria and hung out in the student center.  We took pictures and visited the weight room.  After a long day, we piled into the car to drive to South Carolina.  Landon knew the question was coming......"So, what did you think?" I asked.  He replied, "I really liked it!"  Only a one word difference from his other answers to that question that I had asked many times previously.  Really.........really was the key word.  When Landon answered, my heart burst with joy because it was different this time.  His smile, his hand motions, his face and his eyes.  "Mom, I can really see myself here."  And I knew right at that very moment that he meant it in a way that was different from all of the other times.  A peace settled over me that hadn't before.  My heart knew.  God had answered my prayers.  Now we still had another school to visit and at this point, I actually was thinking there is no way that he is going to like another school as much as this one.  Long story short...........he did!!  We went through the same process at the second school and his answer again was " I really liked it!"  I noticed the same smile and demeanor from the previous day.  God had answered my prayers in an immeasurable way that I had never expected.  In all honesty, I can see Landon thriving at either of these schools and my heart was at peace.  My reply was, "Landon, I don't envy the decision that you will ultimately have to make, but God will guide you to the perfect place." 

So now we just wait patiently..... we are not yet making a beeline to the cash register, but that will come too!!  :)    His applications for both of these schools are complete with the exception of ACT scores and his transcripts.There is not any sagging, pulling or tightness in our hearts.  We are at peace and are moving forward with the knowledge that one of these schools will be our perfect college fit!!