Sophomore Year: The Year to Be Remade
I moved into my new dorm room for Round 2 on Friday. I wasn't very excited to come back until I actually arrived, mainly because I was still wishing for more time between camp and college. Now I have met the 6 freshmen on my wing and reunited with many of my friends from last year. Michael is moved into West Hall and perfectly adjusted without my help...which I was sure would happen. Brianne and I have our room set up and it looks pretty dang good, if I do say so myself!
The hardest part about being back has been the struggle against bitter memories from last spring. It has been a recurring obstacle in my thought process ever since the source of the original conflict resurfaced yesterday. At a few points this weekend, I felt my stomach screaming for relief from the knots that were building up to my throat. I had thought that the healing process was fairly well underway...I was only partly correct. It is going to be an interesting year.
The more time that passes since March, the easier it is to see God's hand in events of this summer. From the therapeutic friendships to the sessions of solitude on the zip line platform, I certainly built a new foundation for this school year. I remember the Sunday night that Madi and I talked on the basketball court about my relationship insecurities. There was lightning out in the nearby canyon and Madi couldn't even see me because she didn't have glasses or contacts at that moment. I just curled up in a ball and sobbed out a summary of spring semester. Madi held me and started praying for me. Looking back, I think that did far more than any lengthy conversation I could have had with anyone about how to be a true friend.
To be prayed over spontaneously...that is what the body of Christ should look like. To give comfort when nothing can be changed...that is the love of Jesus. To remain rooted in place when everyone else leaves a friend...that is true friendship. You don't have to be a perfect friend. You merely have to stay with someone no matter what.
You will be walked all over. You will be abandoned. You will be forgotten temporarily. You will feel alone. But in the end...if you are unconditionally faithful, you are following the calling of Jesus to love others as you love yourself.
This post went all over the place...sorry. My heart is so full tonight/ Here's to a year of second chances. Just as 2011 was the year of new beginnings...2013 is the year of redeeming grace. My God is so great.
God loves me, and God's love is enough.
The hardest part about being back has been the struggle against bitter memories from last spring. It has been a recurring obstacle in my thought process ever since the source of the original conflict resurfaced yesterday. At a few points this weekend, I felt my stomach screaming for relief from the knots that were building up to my throat. I had thought that the healing process was fairly well underway...I was only partly correct. It is going to be an interesting year.
The more time that passes since March, the easier it is to see God's hand in events of this summer. From the therapeutic friendships to the sessions of solitude on the zip line platform, I certainly built a new foundation for this school year. I remember the Sunday night that Madi and I talked on the basketball court about my relationship insecurities. There was lightning out in the nearby canyon and Madi couldn't even see me because she didn't have glasses or contacts at that moment. I just curled up in a ball and sobbed out a summary of spring semester. Madi held me and started praying for me. Looking back, I think that did far more than any lengthy conversation I could have had with anyone about how to be a true friend.
To be prayed over spontaneously...that is what the body of Christ should look like. To give comfort when nothing can be changed...that is the love of Jesus. To remain rooted in place when everyone else leaves a friend...that is true friendship. You don't have to be a perfect friend. You merely have to stay with someone no matter what.
You will be walked all over. You will be abandoned. You will be forgotten temporarily. You will feel alone. But in the end...if you are unconditionally faithful, you are following the calling of Jesus to love others as you love yourself.
This post went all over the place...sorry. My heart is so full tonight/ Here's to a year of second chances. Just as 2011 was the year of new beginnings...2013 is the year of redeeming grace. My God is so great.
God loves me, and God's love is enough.
Comments
Post a Comment