- Something that I've been thinking about since before Passion is my schedule. I am a planner. I love lists, calendars, organizing things, looking forward to the future. But sometimes I get so caught up in the future I look past today. And sometimes I get so stressed about today or the next few days/weeks and I forget about my relationship with God and with other people. So I've been trying to be more purposeful in coming to campus, hanging out with people, and really being flexible with the little things. Additionally, I have tried to clear my schedule of unnecessary things. For me, this meant dropping an activity that I wasn't really participating in anyway, not trying to find another research position, and making a commitment to the things that I am involved in: New Life, my campus Christian group; Global Links, my awesome work-study job; DOCS, my pre-med group; and Kiltie Band, just as it sounds, band. And really making sure that my schedule allows time for me to spend time with God, in the Word, with all of my friends (not just ones i live with or am in a group with), and to still have time to be a good student - because this is a time of preparation for me, and I do need to do well.
- Next, I feel like God has been using this time to teach me about myself. I really wanted to seek after what kind of person I am and want to be, so that my schedule and my friendships are a reflection of who I am and not what define me. I actually do like to write, hence the blog. And, I like to teach, which is why I'm a small group leader and I'm going to be a TA next semester. There is more to follow in another post...
- A combination of these things is the way in which I spend my free time. I do enjoy watching television, but now I feel like sometimes I use it as an escape, or to avoid actually caring about other people's lives. Also, I know it would be a better use of my time to be in the Word, or in prayer, to be doing homework so I can spend time with people or get other things done which I feel like I need to do - cooking, chores, errands, blogging, keeping in touch with people. Therefore, I'm working on a balance - definitely cutting back the tv, and continuing to be productive in many forms -> In order to be a better student, room mate, friend, etc. and to be light in my world.
- I also decided at Passion to help support Compassion International's Child Survival Program. This program is geared towards helping soon-to-be and brand-new mothers stay healthy in order to help their children survive, and thrive. The well-known Compassion Child Sponsor program only begins when children are age 4. However, a good amount of children don't survive until then. This program feeds and educates pregnant women so they can deliver a healthy baby and continue to breastfeed them, and also shows them how to sanitize their dishes, clean their house, and play with their baby. Additionally, it provides them support through a church and continues to offer spiritual education to the women as well. I'm excited about the program and even just being a small part of it. I'm also trying to remember to support the program through prayer on a regular basis. And while I'm looking to find a program to be involved in and volunteer with now, this is a simple way that I can start making a difference.
So in general, I'm just trying to let God continue to equip me, to change me, and to keep pointing me towards His path, and to use me to help point others there as well. I'm really excited because as a whole, our fellowship has grown tremendously through this experience, and I can't wait to continue to follow God through my life. I've kinda created a little motto for myself that I think sums it up pretty well:
- Point Up
- Learn In
- Love Out
