Many high school classmates might have described me as arrogant, and some would have even labeled me a bully. I was on the football and swimming team, and I used those sports positions to intimidate those around me, who were smaller and weaker. I was proud of my German heritage and my accomplishments, and I was convinced that my viewpoint was always right. I appeared self-reliant and secure, but that was far from the truth. Inside this shell of a swollen-headed athlete was a person with a deep longing for lasting friendships. I was painfully lonely, and I tried to fill that void with relationships, parties, and anything else I thought would bring me happiness. Nothing, however, provided lasting satisfaction.

Around my sophomore year in high school, my friend Mike starting inviting me to a city-wide youth group. I declined every time because I went to church most Sundays, and that was plenty of religion for me. That all changed one night when I met Kent, a volunteer leader from the group. He accepted me as I was, and not based on my attendance at their events. This, of course, made me very curious, so a few weeks later, I found myself at their weekly gathering. It was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed the relationships with the other students. As I attended the weekly gatherings over the next two years, spiritual truths began to sink in. I realized that my wrongdoings had separated me from God’s love and prevented me from having a personal relationship with Him. I realized I was only able to connect with God by accepting what Jesus had done for me through His sacrificial death on the cross. Shortly after my high school graduation, the pieces finally fell into place during a week-long backpacking trip with the group in Colorado. I embraced the forgiveness offered by Jesus for my wrongdoings, and thanked Him for forgiving me. Immediately, I had a peace I had never known before. My deep loneliness was immediately and permanently gone, and I found myself wanting to read the Bible. That was pretty strange in and of itself!

Throughout my college years, I grew leaps and bounds in my relationship with Jesus. I also deepened many friendships with those who attended Cru, and with people in my church. I began to treat others with respect. My pride slowly diminished, and I became a grateful servant. I still had a lot of rough edges in those early years, but God refined my character, led me to a wonderful wife and changed the trajectory of my career. I’m still far from perfect, but what I have is an adoption into God’s family that gives me a deep sense of belonging and a steadfast hope for tomorrow. As a child of God, I have purpose in my life and a desire to help those around me. I’m a transformed person because of Jesus, and have absolutely no regrets!