Encourage Me: A Whole New World

For many individuals, one big step into becoming a mature adult involved attending college. One important component of achieving a degree could involve the adventure of dormitory life.

Lorrie Moore (of AZ Quotes) had this profound insight on living with other unique personalities in a dorm room (and your life afterwards). “Decide that you like college life. In your dorm you meet many nice people. Some are smarter than you. And, some you notice are dumber than you. You will continue, unfortunately, to view the world in exactly these terms for the rest of your life.”

Crucial life events can often occur in the vicinity of (or on) the campus of a university (or college). In 2 Kings 2, this seemed to be the case with Elisha at the “Bible colleges” (the company of prophets, NIV) he was present at. There Elijah passed onto him the cloak (of authority) as the new prophet (in town), and left for Heaven in a fiery chariot with fiery horses pulling it (as Elijah’s existence on Earth concluded).

Whether you are currently striving to reach your career goals in a college setting (or have fond memories of that time of your life), God has this important lesson for you in this “whole new world” you are adjusting to that comes from these two verses.

“…you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy!” (Acts 26:24, NLT)

“But if you correct those who care about life, that’s different – they’ll love you for it! Save your breath for the wise – they’ll be wiser for it; tell good people what you know – they’ll profit from it.” (Proverbs 9:9, MSG)

There is life beyond (and during) achieving your degree. Take a break occasionally to rest (and have fun). Don’t take yourself too seriously. All of the above advice will make you a better future employee (and human being in your life).

Has the education your striving for (or have) turned you into someone who gracefully receives constructive criticism, or is any kind of personality evaluation a direct disapproval of your moral fiber? Are you a bitter or a better individual because of who you are, and what you know?

If you should need to become, the person that you want to be, counseling could be a great place to start. (It would definitely be a worthwhile investment of time and money.) May God be with you in your illuminating (and needed) journey to truth.

*This post topic (of dormitory living) was suggested by my daughter.

**My daughter, Allena, recently changed her college major from Disaster Relief and Business to Missions. Here is her Facebook response for this choice.

“To anyone, wondering why I changed my major here’s why. God kept bringing to mind the story of where He fed the [5,000] with the fish and the loaves. (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15)

In high school, I went to Eastland Career Center for Restaurant Services. God has told me “go feed the nations.”

I took this two ways. [The] first way [is to] physically go give food to hungry or anyone that needs it. [The] second way is to spiritually go “feed the nations” with the gospel. This is the reason I changed my major.”