It’s mid October (my favorite month) and I’m already approaching fall break of my sophomore year, and it’s hitting me how fast time is going. Last night, I was talking to a friend of mine, a guy I met this year, and we realized that we’ve already been at school for almost two months. In some ways it feels like it’s been two years and in some ways like it’s been only two weeks. You’d think that this wouldn’t surprise me anymore, but it does still.
Sophomore year has been a good year. Generally when people ask me how I’m doing my first response is “thriving.” Then, if I have time, I give them a more detailed explanation. I’m only joking a little when I say that I feel like I’m thriving. This has been a good year so far, one blessed by God. He has shown me areas where I can serve, blessed me with mentors and with people whom I can mentor, and given me a renewed sense of security in the direction my life is taking.
Sophomore year has also been a busy year. It’s one where I’ve accepted several responsibilities. Initially I accepted more than I should have (something I’ve always struggled with). But, as I’ve had to learn time and time again, it’s better to invest a lot in a few things than, than invest a little in many things. I dropped some commitments about which I wasn’t passionate, so that I could focus more on the areas where I think God is really calling me.
Something I’ve tried to do this year is invest in relationships, and that has led to so much growth in my life. Last week I sat down for coffee with a new friend, and our conversation turned to the topic of rest, and how as college students we don’t get enough of it. Both of us have found ourselves doing things from the moment we get up until the moment we go to bed, without taking any time between to rest.
Rest is so important, and yet it’s something I rarely find myself making a priority. Even though I don’t see the immediate signs of it in my life, I know that it isn’t healthy. Even when I feel like I can be constantly going from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. (or 1:00 a.m., depending on the day), I know that I can’t. And I know that I shouldn’t. I need to take time to rest, and that’s something I’ve been trying to do.
During my Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule, I have a four-hour block between classes. Typically I have used that time to finish up my homework for my French class, but this past week I’ve tried to use that time to “rest” in some way. And that’s looked different each day. Some days, it means cleaning my room. Others, it’s taking a long shower now that the weather is cold enough to actually enjoy the perpetual hot water in our dorm. Others, it’s taking an hour to dive deeper into my devotions, or read a book, or listen to music, or (rarely) take an actual nap.
Honestly, this has been one of my most productive weeks. Taking that intentional time to rest and recenter means that I can apply myself better when I decide to work (or, at least, I feel guiltier when I don’t work hard during the times I should). I’ve also been getting to bed earlier, which is great.
I’ve been reminded this week, through conversations, personal reflection, and through a very convicting Vespers service by our Interim Dean of Chapel, that we are made as creatures who require rest, proper rest, and that to not take time to rest in the LORD is, frankly, sinful. This time of rest, of slowing down and pausing during my day, reminds me to appreciate God in all His glory and in all areas. I’ve also had to wrestle with the difference between rest and laziness. Often I have to remind myself that sprawling on my bed with Instagram and Netflix is not rest. It’s more like slothfulness. I have to make sure that with my rest, I’m doing my best to honor the LORD just as much as I try to honor Him with my actions. It’s not something I’ve fully figured out yet (it’s probably one of those things you never quite figure out) but it’s something I’ve enjoyed wrestling with, and I hope that I’ve grown because of it.