School is intense and it takes fortitude. The ability to follow through requires discipline. The late nights studying and preparing projects, the sacrifices of social activities and lack of free time for hobbies could make any student forget what real life is like. I do look forward to the day when I will feel free…or at least not bound to the endless hoops of academia.
Although in analyzing the choice of whether to pursue education or not, it helps me to take into consideration that time will pass. Time passes for each one of us so quickly but how often do we really use our days in a productive way? One of my favorite mottos is “never stop improving .”
After going through a painful life transition that begun in 2015…I didn’t allow myself any downtime and almost immediately immersed myself in planting seeds for tomorrow. The solace I feel can be reflected in this quote:
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” -Robert L. Stevenson.
The path with many nights buried in books, in turning down social invitations even when I wanted to enjoy or participate in a friendly gathering. The commitment to my future prevailed. Even in light that it is totally unknown. I do not know where he is calling me, not yet…
I am aware that the alternative for many in similar situations of painful life changes is doing what many tend to do, such as trying to numb their pain or find themselves in the world, clubs or unhealthy relationships for validation and gratification.
I recall a conversation I had with a friend almost two years ago. My friend revealed how they dove into the world seeking pleasure and gratification. They made the choice to pursue the lures of today’s culture. In their mind they were just catching up on youth robbed from them. And As I listened to this conversation, my heart sank with sorrow for my dear friend, not out of pity but in the realization of all the time that was lost to them. The time that was taken from my friends family, and from my friends potential during those years..As I had desired to plainly and bluntly say …what did all that get you?! Where are those friends now? The ones you partied with and almost got into fights with, could your heart ever be whole from what you subjected it to? ALL that time, that you can never get back! The time forever lost to a vain attempt to relive an adolescence that wasn’t satisfied and interrupted by responsibility.
My heart wanted my friend to see how precious that time was, that time, that was lost but I said nothing with my words but only through my eyes. But in my friends testimony I was given a gift of perspective. A reinforcement of the desire in my heart to be different. Through my friend I learned the value of never underestimating the progress and improvements one can make just by focusing on and clearly understanding that pain doesn’t last, and attempts at covering it up with worldly pleasures are only holding many back from their full potential. Holding them back from their calling.
What is holding you back? Do you struggle with an addiction? Are you afraid of feeling pain or being alone? Know that you can overcome any anxiety, heartache or restlessness by giving it all to Jesus. He will never forsake you or abandon you and is always offering you a new day to cast all your burdens upon him. A new day to grow in him, to seek more, to be more and do more in him and through him. What a beautiful life we have been given. If you don’t have fortitude ask for it, if you don’t have discipline then challenge yourself and if you fail pick yourself up and try again. And if your on the narrow path, persevering, all I can say is keep on!!! One day it will all be worth it! You got this!
“What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”
-Luke 13:18-19
