My Dear Emma,
I hope this letter finds you deep in the throws of a weekend filled with rest, discovery, and promise. I know that even though school just got started, your wheels are cranked up and you are ready to go! What a great opportunity you have to set your focus on God, to learn how to make Him the reason behind why you do everything else, and to get your priorities set straight before all of the madness truly beings. It is so easy to loose that focus when you are in the midst of such an awesome university, but one filled with distractions. Class. Judging. Friends. And let's not forget FOOTBALL.
My campus minister (at OSU) started each fall semester with the same lesson, but one that every college kid needs to hear. I'll give you the basic outline, for time's sake, and you can take it from there:
1) Everyone has told you that the first step to being a successful college student is "go to class." Much the same way, it is just as important to go to church. Stay in that habit, or make that a new habit if you haven't been attending. You will learn something each time, even if it's just someone's name. That someone may need a friend, and you may come to need that person's friendship, accountability, or help. Of course, the whole point in going weekly is to learn a new lesson, Bible verse, and spend time in worship. Develop that habit of setting time aside each Sunday and Wednesday to help deepen your relationship with Christ. You need that time. Go. To. Church.
2) Slow down. This is one I need to hear again myself. I imagine that you are much like I was as a college student: you keep going until you drop. Be it class, studying, practice, or socializing, I bet you only rest when you are sleeping, or maybe a lazy Saturday morning here or there. If you are so busy going from one thing to the next, how will you ever hear what God is trying to tell you? Take time to stop- listen- learn- and hear what it is He wants you to do for Him with your life. Start by taking just 15 minutes out of your day to clear your head, read His word, and offer up a simple prayer. This weekend should help you jump start and recharge with that idea of quiet rest. Again, I should be the one taking this advise.....
3) Find your faith. This may sound strange, but hear me out. As a child, living at home, you follow what your parents believe (or don't believe). You go to church with them when they go. You learn lessons (at church or in life) based on what your parents or your church teach. And for the most part, as a child or teenager, you accept what the adults in your life have to say without question. They must know what they're talking about, right? But then you move off to college. When, where and if you go to church becomes your sole decision. What you think, believe, or obey is your responsibility. You no longer have to believe what they believe, and if you don't live a life in Christ, that's on your head, you are the responsible party now. My point is this: college is the perfect opportunity to establish your faith in Christ, to grow your roots deep, to serve Him as you see fit. Build that firm foundation based on what you believe, know to be truth, and figure out who you, Emma, are as a daughter of God. Build that base, and have it firmly in place before the distractions and commitments of a job, husband, and family pull you in a million different directions. Because when they do, you will have that solid relationship anchoring you down and you can reflect Christ's love to those that you hold dear. Figure out who you are in Christ. Find your faith.
Sweet, beautiful Emma, I pray that the experiences you have this weekend stay with you for a lifetime, and that you return to Lubbock refreshed and with a new focus and mindset to help you through life this life with God as your guide. Praying for you this weekend and always!!
Much love,
Sara
