Many of you
may find yourself in the same transition I’m in-the transition from the
confined walls of high school and into the “real world.” If you’re like myself,
that means taking on the new and exciting experiences of college. All the hard
work and long hours studying, filling out scholarships, and applying to your
dream school are finally paying off. Or maybe you’ve already had the experience
of graduating high school and have had the chance to dip your toes into the
pool of freedom. Nevertheless, I think many of you will be able to relate.
The moment
is surreal when you finally receive that letter of acceptance and decide where
you will be starting the next chapter of your life. Then comes deciding where
you’ll live, what classes you’ll take, and most importantly, who your roommate
will be and how you’ll decorate and plan your dorm room, apartment, etc.
Although I speak from a girl’s point of view, I know picking out a color
scheme, making crafty décor, and color coordinating bedding arrangements is a
top priority.
College,
for a lot of people, seems to push individuals further away from Christ. In
reality, it’s completely understandable. You’re young and experiencing your
first taste of freedom. There aren’t parents constantly hovering over your
shoulder, you don’t have the typical 8:00-3:00 class schedule, and you’re
introduced to countless opportunities to keep that social life of yours
flourishing. Even if you’re like me, and can’t necessarily speak from
experience yet, all of you have heard stories and know that college can, and
will be, some of the best years of your life. However, I don’t see why college
can’t allow you to grow closer to Christ in the process.
Your
relationship with Christ can be a lot like a college roommate (in a good way).
Your roommate is someone who will see you at your best, and also at your worst.
They’ll see you all dolled up and ready for a night out on the town, but
they’ll also see you without a hint of makeup on, when you first wake up, bags
under your eyes and bed head like you wouldn’t believe. You and your roommate
will share everything…whether you like it or not. Aside from sharing the same
living space (which could arguably be barely enough room for one, let alone
two), you’ll probably share clothes, snacks, accessories (again, speaking from
a girl’s perspective). And guys, don’t lie to yourselves. You know you’ll be
more than thrilled to come to find that your collection of video games has
essentially doubled since having a roommate.
So now my question
is, why not have that relationship with Christ too? No, I don’t necessarily
mean share clothes, because you might find yourself on the next episode of
‘What NOT to Wear’, although Jesus sandals seem to be making a comeback. What I
do mean, is why not let him see you at your best and worst? Don’t just thank
Him when things are going well, but ask for help and encouragement when you’re
feeling lost, or maybe it just hasn’t been your day. Share everything. Vent
when you need help, let Him see you break down in tears over the fallout you
just had with your best friend, or the difficult breakup you’re struggling
with. Don’t turn your back when things don’t go your way. Those arguments with
your BFF might only make you build your friendship into something stronger. And
believe it or not, maybe that breakup was meant to happen, because he/she just
wasn’t the right one, and God has someone better in mind for you. Regardless of
the situation, my point is this: Don’t hide your faults, because the reality is
you aren’t flawless, but you were perfectly created in God’s image. Don’t try
to struggle through the tough times by yourself, and certainly don’t forget to
include Him in the celebration of your successes either! Be open. Be
vulnerable. Let Christ be your roommate.
~Mary-Kate
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