This is an ode to my little sister and to the rest of you up and coming college freshman.
Tonight while brushing my teeth in the bathroom shared by my sister, I thought about her going away in just a few days. I began to think back where I was just six years ago and how much my life has changed since leaving my parent’s house.
What first came to mind was that Rachel is moving out and when she comes back to the house, it will never be the same. She is no longer a “resident” but a visitor. Even I who have been living back with my family the past 5 ½ months, feel more like a visitor than a resident. And I began to think what the internal change did to me as a college student. I realized this change when I realized I was in process of grieving, and grieving unknowingly. I remember feeling as if I did not have a home and a place that I fit. I felt like a visitor.
But do not fret, my friends. Being a visitor is not all bad and in my opinion is a needed rite of passage. During this phase you are free to learn more of who you are and where you fit in this world. And I encourage you to decide to do this proactively, do not allow the current to push you downstream; stand firm.
In this moment I am reminded of Joshua taking Jericho. It was the BIG moment! They were done with the routine wandering in the desert. And I know many of your college freshman, might feel like the last four years felt like fourty years walking in a desert and getting nowhere. So you can probably relate! So here was Joshua and it was time. The city was theirs; and the world is yours. It was given to Joshua, but it took some work, it took some trust and it took some patience. And I would bet that the task looked bigger than they could handle, but God is faithful to his kids.
And I want to leave you with one more thought. I find it interesting to look at how the book of Joshua begins:
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the laws my servant Moses gave you (God’s truth given to you by your parents/pastors); do not turn from it to the right or to the left (don’t believe the lie that you must experiment new things in college), that you may be successful wherever you go (That’s why we go to college right? To be successful?). Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night (seriously, READ the Word and PRAISE our GOD daily!), so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid (there will be times you may feel fear, DON’T be afraid); do not be discouraged (you may fall, DON’T get discouraged), for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (YES! God is going with you, actually He is taking YOU on a new adventure. Trust HIM).”
So college freshman, embrace this new season! God has great opportunities for you, just love Him (by love I mean devote your time, your energy, your resources, your thoughts to Him, because you LOVE LOVE LOVE Him).
You can do it and we are excited for what is next!
