Here we are at the start of a new year! I'm sure you are all excited, as I am, about a fresh start and a clean slate. I was thinking about the many things going on right now and thought it might be helpful to share a few tips regarding the start of a new year. I'm sure you know most of these things, but maybe they'll serve as good reminders.
1. Walk with God. This can't be over-emphasized. As you get into your daily routine, make your time with God a priority. As Christians, our time with God is our breath, our food, our life-source. We need to be in the Word, spending time with God and learning more about Him. Make this a priority. If you need help, let me know, or find someone else who can help you. This is crucial! Check out the benefits of spending time with God from these passages: Psalm 119:11; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:114, 130; Psalm 19:7-14, etc.
2. Get Organized. You may not have much homework due these first few days - or maybe you do. Either way, this is an important time to get organized for the semester. Use you planners. Write your assignments in ahead of time. Try to get ahead in your work. Schedule carefully, staying aware of all of your responsibilities and guarding against over-commitment.
3. Reach Out. There are lots of new people here on campus. It can be intimidating to be around all of these new faces. Some people thrive on meeting new people. Others are terrified by it. Whichever you are, do what it necessary to get out of your room and meet others. Maybe you are an upperclassman. Meet three new freshmen today. Maybe you are a freshmen. Get to know three other new students today. It's easy to sit in your room missing your friends at home, feeling like no one here is reaching out to you. The question is - are you reaching out to others? Give it a shot - I think you'll like the results.
4. Make Careful Friend Choices. In the past few days, you've met tons of new people. This is a good thing. However, not all of these people will be a positive influence on you. Learn to make wise friend choices. Just because you get along with someone and have similar interests doesn't mean they are a good friend. Do they help you love God more? Will they help you be a good student? Here's a revealing question - what kinds of things do you laugh about when you are together? Is it humor at the expense of others or even filthy, foolish, or crude (Ephesians 5:4)? Have fun as you get to know others, but keep in mind the kind of friends you are making. Are they building you up or bringing you down. (Here's another convicting question: What kind of influence are you having on your friends?)
5. Be Patient. It takes time to get into the "swing" of things here. It'll take time to be comfortable with your friends - but it will come. It takes time to feel unity with your dorm - but it will come. It takes time to get used to your classes - but it will come. Trust that God has you here for a purpose and be looking for the ways that He is stretching you and teaching you.
6. Stay Positive. From time to time, we all have bad days. The chances are, you'll find the start of a new year a bit stretching or even discouraging. The key is keeping the right perspective. Psalm 43:5 has often been an encouragement to me - "Why so downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God!" As you go through the ups and downs of the first few days of school, stay positive. Look on the bright side. Express your gratitude to God and keep putting your hope in Him. We have so much to be thankful for.
There are so many others things we could say. What advice do you have for fellow students?
