Life Lessons From a New Environment

   I have now officially been in college a month, so I am constantly being swarmed with questions like, "so, how's it going?" "do you like it?" "is it stressful?" etc. My typical reply is just to say, "you know, it's college." However, there is so much more behind the past month than I have ever offered to anyone. Do I absolutely love college? Honestly, not yet, but I am getting there. But I do love what I have been learning and the spiritual growth I have been experiencing. Here's a few things that I have learned in my short time here than can be applied to not only the life of a college student, but to anyone in any situation.
 
1. It is OKAY to feel lonely sometimes.

• And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. -Matthew 28:20

 
   To be fair and honest, this is not something that has come easily to me, but I have learned to accept it. Coming from a small town, I have honestly never felt completely lonely. There was always someone to talk to, and always someone who cared enough to check on you. College can be very different. Moving away from home can be scarier than you expect, and in your first couple weeks the reality that you don't really know anyone definitely hits hard. But in your moments of loneliness, you can always see that God is there. I read a quote recently that said, "loneliness comes to us when we forget the fact that God is our supreme companion". Use these times to grow spiritually. Failing to spend time alone with God is absolutely detrimental to a Christian's walk. When you let God completely take over and truly become your main focus in life, beautiful things arise from what you see as nothing, and you will be filled with unfathomable joy.

2. Need a friend? Be a friend.

• As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. -Proverbs 27:17

   Notice how in my first point I said "sometimes". We all know that godly relationships are essential, so it is important to seek strong friendships. The fastest and easiest way to gain a new friend is to first be that friend. Introduce yourself, start a conversation, be friendly, invite them to have lunch with you. Everyone around you is in the same boat as far as meeting new people and being out of their comfort zones. You are not the only one who feels like an outcast, I can promise you that.

3. God can multiple your efforts.

• Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen! -Ephesians 3:20-21

   This has really been on my heart lately, and I have seen it from several different angles. On my second night on campus I decided to go to the Baptist Campus Ministry (BCM) building for "survival" which was basically a game night. It honestly took everything in me to go because I was going to have to go alone and I was not sure what to expect. As soon as I got there, I was greeted by so many kind people who genuinely cared for me and loved me. Through that one effort, God gave me some amazing friends, and we have honestly been inseparable since that night. Through the BCM, I have gotten to worship, fellowship, be encouraged by likeminded people, and I have been taught some great things by some incredible speakers. And all it took was that one time, stepping out in faith, and going somewhere I felt God was leading me. I have also seen this point to be true in my classes as well. There are some days where I just do not understand, and quite frankly I just want to give up. But I have found that when I keep pushing, keep studying, and pray fervently over my work, God blesses my efforts and gives me knowledge and understanding. That's not to say that if you study and pray, you will get excellent grades. However, I do absolutely believe that the Father blesses his children when they seek him in their circumstances.

4. God's hand is in every aspect of every day.

• You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. -Psalm 16:11

   This is something I have always been told, but quite honestly have just not payed attention to. Since I started college, every time I need something God has just absolutely provided for me in ways that are undeniably Him showing me his love, grace, and mercy. From big things like receiving a call that one of my scholarship forms was lost, and that I would be awarded an extra $500, all the way down to something as small as getting a front row parking spot when I had a lot of stuff to carry, God has provided for every single need. His love is so clear, and he communicates with his children in such special ways. Watch and listen.

5. It's hard to listen for the Shepherd if you don't know his voice. 

• My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. -John 10:27

   In a world and society that is filled with so many distractions, it is so easy to lose focus. There are always so many things shouting at you and trying to gain your attention. We must remember to ignore the things that can so easily be put before God, and listen to what he is trying to teach us. The more time we spend in prayer and in the scriptures, the more we get to know God and who he is. He speaks to us through his word, and there we get to know his voice. It's hard to seek out God's voice among all the others if you aren't used to hearing it and familiar with it. Scripture intake and quiet time in prayer are so important. They are more important than grades. They are more important than the party you want to go to. They are more more important than everything. Do not neglect them. Spend time with God, get to know him, and get to know his voice.

-Amy