I’ve never asked anybody if they have a favorite month but I’d be willing to guess most people’s answer would not be August. For one thing, there’s a 91.67%, or 11/12 chance that someone would pick a different month (I myself am rather partial to September). Additionally, for many people August can mean the start of a new school year. After three months of no homework or studying, the idea of returning to class may seem, well, less than appealing.
For some, there’s more to this transition than saying ‘see ya in nine months’ to summer. There are the kids who have to move schools, or are entering into middle school, high school, or college for the first time. It’s exciting sure, but it can also be frightening to venture into the unknown. Even if you or your child is not approaching one of these pivotal transitions, the start of the school year can still be daunting. Fortunately, I have a piece of advice. If you’re a student, join one of your school’s ministries. If you’re a parent, encourage your kid to join one of their school’s ministries.
Alright so maybe this doesn’t appear to be any sort of brand new or shocking revelation. I mean, what did you expect? I’m just a nineteen-year-old college kid. Yes, it’s fairly simple advice but simple advice is often the best advice. And it’s one piece of advice I really wish I had taken two years ago when I began my freshman year of college.
On the surface, my freshman year of college seemed fine. And it was. My classes were okay, my roommate was great, and I made some friends. But eventually I realized that something was missing – or rather someone. God was missing and honestly, He’s not something that should be missing. So I decided that come sophomore year I would find a campus ministry because I needed God again and I needed Him fast.
I won’t sugarcoat it, Cru, the campus ministry I joined was not lifechanging – at first. I still remember how loud and quick my heart pounded and the way my hands trembled with anxiety during those first few weekly meetings and Women’s Bible Studies (and there was that first study where I spilled spaghetti all over the floor but I digress). But eventually all of that stopped. Soon enough going became exciting and friendships began blossoming. Most importantly, I returned to my relationship with God. He was there waiting, arms out.
Whether you’re seeking God or not, He’s there, arms out. And I suggest that you run to Him. To any student, pursuing God, atheist, spiritual, or anything of the sort, I encourage you to give your school’s ministry a try. At Cru our saying is ‘Come as you are’ which is great because it shows that we are one of the many ministries that will welcome anyone regardless of their backgrounds and beliefs. By checking out a college ministry like Cru at the very least you’ll meet some new people and learn something new. Last year I thought something was missing from my life. Now I know that I was the one who was missing from God. And I’m glad I returned.
If you’re intrigued by this post and looking forward to what I’ll write about in the future, you can expect a new post every Saturday. Also, if you feel inclined, feel free to leave a comment below about what you think. Thanks for all your support and I hope you’ll come back next week. Stay Amazing!
Image Credit: allthingsclipart.com
So proud of you Andrey!