Since my mentor has been unable to meet with me for the last month due to preparations for her son's wedding, I'm just going to talk about something God's been reminding me of over the last few weeks. As this year comes to a close, and with it the first half of my time at Wheaton, I am amazed at how fast these two years have gone by and how much of that time I spent just trying to get to the next thing. I've kept myself going by thinking, "You just have to make it to Fall Break", or "The weekend's almost here", and even "Just get through today". While this approach has its place when stress levels are high and one literally has to take it one day at a time, it can make for a pretty self-centered and apathetic lifestyle when used all the time. I am sure I have missed countless opportunities to make a friend, be a listening ear, listen to the wind in the trees, or recognize the presence of God day by day. Instead of living in community with God and others, I have isolated myself behind the wall of "so much to do".
Though I am leaving sophomore year with more regrets than satisfaction with my efforts at engagement (or lack thereof), I am also optimistic about the next two years. Instead of filling my time with endless procrastination, I am filling it with activities that involve other people. I will be serving on BreakAway cabinet through the OCO, and I am planning on teaching piano lessons at the juvenile detention center in Warrenville. By centering more of my time around other people, I hope to break habits of isolation and selfishness. Two years from now, I want to look back on this time and see growth in character and compassion, not just a collection of good grades.
Though I am leaving sophomore year with more regrets than satisfaction with my efforts at engagement (or lack thereof), I am also optimistic about the next two years. Instead of filling my time with endless procrastination, I am filling it with activities that involve other people. I will be serving on BreakAway cabinet through the OCO, and I am planning on teaching piano lessons at the juvenile detention center in Warrenville. By centering more of my time around other people, I hope to break habits of isolation and selfishness. Two years from now, I want to look back on this time and see growth in character and compassion, not just a collection of good grades.
I loved this post. I think it is always good to fill your time with serving and spending time with others. I am excited for you about piano lessons at Warrenville. I'm glad that you're able to reflect, and it really seems like your heart is in a good place. I'll probably see you at Warrenville sometime :)
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