Refreshed

Freshmen moved in yesterday. We baked 4 batches of cookies and handed them out over the past few days. I've been ridiculously outgoing, meeting and speaking to almost everyone who comes my way. What an epic week! It's been busy, though, and sadly, the first thing to go in a busy week is time set apart to invest in God, who is the refresher of our souls. Today as I sat down to read a bit, I confessed that I didn't really think it would matter that I was about to read the bible. I assumed it would roll right over me like it's prone to do some days. But after asking God to refresh my faith in the power and goodness of His Word, He did just that. Here's some of the beautiful passages I read today out of 1 Timothy.

"Godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (Chapter 4, verse 8)

I've seen students around me over the past few days searching for what holds promise for today and for the future. There are a million organizations vying for their time, there are friends to be made, and patterns to be set. It's all still being formed right now, like jello that hasn't quite solidified yet. In the midst of that, it's good for me to be reminded that there is one thing that these students need right now and in the future. (Both during college and beyond.) They need their Father. They need a love that loves even the deepest, darkest part of them. They need to grow to be more like Him every day--to be godly. That is so much more important than which BBQ to attend and whether to go kayaking with student Rec or not. I'm praying that God would keep this imprinted in my heart so that I am always looking to spread that to my students. As I read on, this verse was also encouraging as I start my ministry here at USF.

"Persist in this (reading of Scriptures and teaching), for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." (verse 16)

What a beautiful truth. By continuing to show Christ to my students, Christ in us will not only save them, but me as I work.

I hope this is encouraging to you today! I have a week of welcome update post in the works, too, so look back for that soon. Thanks for reading!