A Place For Me, Anonymous

“Lord, take care of me,” I simply prayed as my parents drove away and left me standing in the doorway of my new college apartment. I had never really felt alone until that moment.

I grew up in New England in a strong Christian family that met with the local church consistently. I was genuinely happy, loved, and cared for. When it came time to go to college, I picked a big school away from home and anticipated a big change. When the moment came and everything and everyone I knew were gone, I realized I was actually scared to be alone.

Immediately after that first day the Lord answered my genuine prayer; He took care of me through the believers in the church in Austin, Texas. Although I was a completely new face with no connection to them outside of the church, they opened their homes to me, fed me, and welcomed me. Humanly and spiritually my needs were taken care of as I met with them regularly throughout my college years.

Four years later, as I was graduating and looked back at the Lord's mercy in bringing me to the church, my experience was reflected in this hymn: (Hymns, #1278)

In the church of Jesus there's a place for you;

Glorious, bright, and joyous, right and peaceful too;

Why then like a wand'rer, roam with weary pace,

If the church of Jesus holds for you a place.

No matter where I go, I know there is a place for me!