Yesterday, all those enticing offers to drop out of school and become a Calvin Klein model were finally laid to rest. My last final, over.. done.. finished. I have so many people to give thanks to. Obviously to my parents for all the phenomenal genes but also to others for providing the motto that would get me through endless hours of classes, “D’s get degrees.”
(I promise this blog gets serious)
College is quite the experience. It teaches you more than just Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs or how to write a five-paged paper in 45 minutes. But you also learn how to avoid any person that approaches you and wants you to sign their petition, and you can sit through three hours of class and leave without retaining any valuable information. Quite the skills.
As some may know, I’ve lived with my grandparents throughout my college experience. It’s actually been great. I have my own room, a huge tv, the comfiest bed, and someone that makes dinner every night. I’ve heard my Grandfather’s endless stories and jokes, and I’m given the opportunity to tell my Grandmother how great she is all the time. They put up with my music listening and constant joking. In fact, they’re actually happy they only had to bail me out of jail once during my stay.
After the past few years I’ve come to learn a skill that takes a while to get right. It isn’t really taught in class, and society doesn’t harp on it too much. It requires some practice but rewards are plentiful. It means much to others and might take time and patience to become a treasure of your own. However, I promise it will pay off. Just listen. No really, that’s it. Listen.
Pay attention when other people are talking. Your parents have valuable information, they don’t just tell you things because they like the sound of their voice.
That 60 year old man that’s painting walls every Thursday on your walk to class? He’s got a story, ask him how his day is and soak it up. Learn his name. He might just tell you about his wife that he’s been in love with for 40 years and that he can’t wait to go home and cook her dinner tonight.
All your grandparent’s stories? They’re some of my favorites. I know they’ve probably told you the one about your Mom or Dad doing something dumb a thousand times, but listen again. Maybe even ask a question. No one can tell you more about your parents, God’s faithfulness, or Pearl Harbor than the one who has lived through and experienced all of it. (If my grandmother saw this she’d kill me, but let’s give this gorgeous woman a hand.)
That person next to you in class? Maybe they want to tell you how much they hate the class you’re both enrolled in, or need to ask a question about the final, or maybe they need a friend because their parents are going through a divorce. Just listen.
Even the dreaded guy who walks up to you and asks you to take a survey. Ask him how his day is going. I’m sure he didn’t wake up thinking, “I can’t wait to get up today, go ask people to take surveys, and get blown off by at least 90% of them.” Listen, he’ll appreciate it. If you’re lucky, he might even ask you why you listened. Jesus sharing central.
……
When I enrolled, I would’ve listed off a set of academic skills I was expecting to master. I never thought I’d be traveling the world after graduation, nevertheless just to help people and tell them about who Jesus is. Nor did I think I’d major in Criminal Justice, but I think that just goes to show that “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Prov 16:9).
Take time and appreciate people. Listen to them. The priest and the Levite weren’t bad people, but the Samaritan stopped, listened, and helped (Luke 10:25-37).
Thanks for reading.
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Also, I am currently 40% funded! This is such great news, and I thank all of my supporters so much! I need a total of $7,500 in September before I am able to leave for the mission trip. If you would like to support me just click on the “SUPPORT ME” tab at the top of this page (or on the left) and you can help fund me through there! Even $5 would help. Thank you again my friends!!
Disclaimer: I’ve never actually received a D in a class, and I didn’t read over this for editing. College is over, this is the real world. Who edits?
