As I am closing in on the last month of my college career (and “formal” education), I am quickly becoming reflective in most of my down time. This is a common state for most people that finish a burdensome task or season in life. Just like many that have gone before me, I am feeling a mix of emotions in this new territory.
Bitter-sweet. I am sad that these past four years are almost officially over but I am extremely grateful for them. I’ve learned and grown a lot, but haven’t taken much time to reflect until I’m close to the end. Sometimes it’s felt as if I’m just trying to “get through” instead of soaking in all that school has to offer. I think this same concept can apply to my faith as well.
As a new Christian, I was on fire for God. Everything was new to me. Everything was beautiful. As time passes, the extraordinary becomes the ordinary, and normalcy sets in. I slowly become complacent and almost uninterested.
Christ doesn’t demand that we have many emotional ups and downs in order to follow him. However, I think we should be hesitant to become complacent and start intentionally enjoying the benefits of our faith.
I love Paul’s reminder in Colossians 2:6 – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.” I take this as a personal call to pursue Christ in the same way I did when I was beginning to know him. We’re not called to a life of complacency, but instead to an abundant life.
I am reminded of God’s goodness and beauty when I am in nature. Experiencing His creation stirs my affections for Him, and grows my desire to actively partake in my relationship with Him.
What stirs your affections for God? Can you relate to experiencing bitter-sweet moments in your life, or in your faith journey?
