{July 18, 2017}

            Summer classes aren’t fun, especially boring and challenging ones. I have 2 tests this week, and the stress of getting a billion things done before summer term ends is really getting to me.

This morning as I lugged my backpack to class, I made sure to mentally check that I had all of my supplies. Pencils: check. Textbook: check. Mid-morning snack: check. Lecture notes: check. I had everything, right?

            I sat in my desk waiting for the ever-so scintillating Microeconomics lecture to begin, and I realized I had forgotten something. Oh, right! I forgot to bring Jesus. Of course, I can’t literally bring Jesus into my Econ lecture (though having a buddy to talk to would be great,) but I can bring His heart and mind. That’s what I forgot.

            It took me a while to recognize it, but once I did, I refocused my thoughts. I had been so caught up in my anxiety and dread about going to class and taking a practice exam today that I neglected to pack who and what I needed most.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” –James 1:2-4

Once I refocused my thoughts and realized that God would be with me through this test of my bravery and willingness to succeed, it enabled me to be my best and work my hardest.

So, I definitely have a bit more studying to do tonight, but as important as my Scantron and pencil are, I won’t forget to bring God to my test.