It is time to set aside all things for a time of getaway. For the coming four days, no homework, no laptop, no treadmill, no dorm room - Yes, I'm going on a retreat!
Fall retreat is an annual Chi Alpha C.F. event and this year we are heading to Pillager, MN for a time of word and worship. I personally think I needed this sort of stress-free trip to just turn my face back to the Lord and listen to what He has got to tell me, attentively.
I believe it will be a good time. Since the season hasn't gotten bad with the weather, yet (finger-crossed), I am sure outdoor activities would be fun.
I met Alexis last night; we managed to catch up and had a a really short chat. God spoke to me through her. Quote of the day:
"Do not give out of your business and wariness, but to give out of your abundance."To be frank, I admit that I have been transmitting whole lot of negativity to people around me recently. This is one reason I try to keep out from my residents, my friends, just to handle my stress alone. However, the more I try to keep things right, the more things turn out to be disappointing.
Alexis was right. When we serve God and when we serve people, we should not try to clutch every single energy out of us. For live instance, I'm a Community Advisor, secretary of Int'l Students Assoc., webmaster of Francophone club, a leader in Chi Alpha, treasurer of Chinese Students Assoc., and on top of that, I want to be a diligent student - I find it really time consuming to attend meetings after meetings, working out plans after plans; I forgot to give time for God.
She said, be focus, and be who God wants you to be; be in the positions that you should serve in. When there are too many plates on my table, I do not know which to handle first. At the end of the day, I missed out the most important Guest who was coming to dinner, God Himself.
What have I done? What happen to all the sincere prayers of "using me as a tool to shine forth thy light?" What was the initial intention, and have I forgotten my purpose of serving?
I want to take this time of getaway to really reflect on my focal point this semester. I understand that it is possible to serve in all the position that I'm currently involved with. My test now is to find the right way of serving, not doing them for the sake of fulfilling my role.
As a CA - I want to bridge students with the campus.
As a secretary - I want to keep everyone in the loop.
As a leader - I want to stimulate Christian growth.
As a treasurer - I want to keep the figures clear.
As a student - I want to absorb skills and knowledge.
I look forward to God's instruction for me to set the next half of the semester right. For things that do not begin with God in mind do not end up Godly.
To folks who are traveling this break, have a safe trip. For those who have other plans, enjoy yourselves and remember to make full use of the empty schedule to rest well and reconnect with people whom you may have lost in touch since the business kicked-in.
Happy Fall Break!
