Saturday, April 24, 2010

Are you a proud investor?

I have been able to invest myself in wonderful friendships and experiences; all of which I have learned so much from. I cannot remember a day that I have not spent with a friend. I cannot remember one Into Hymn rehearsal where I did not leave without my heart filled with the love of Christ. I cannot remember one day where I did not laugh! I cannot remember one day that I felt unloved.

Last night I had the chance to meet with a lovely friend of mine, Brett Baker. Being one of the finest bloggers I know (insert plug here: http://brettbattenbaker.blogspot.com/) I realized how much I missed her: her voice, the way she talks, her silly idiosyncrasies. Evie, Brett, known lovingly as Butt, and I thoroughly enjoyed catching up over a nice home-brewed beer in Charlottesville and oodles of appetizers. It was wonderful to be able to catch up with two women I admire and care for (two among many!).

I feel like the past week and a half, it has finally hit me: I may never have these opportunities again. I am graduating in May: I may never take another JMU class. During the concert on April 17th, I kept praying for God to stretch the minutes just a little more so that I could savor each moment. I may never have the chance to sing with another group - but that's okay because I will remember that the ministry I have been involved in here at JMU, was one of the greatest things that could have ever happened to me. At dinner last night, I was hoping that time could just stand still and let me take everything in. Life goes by too fast, friends, and that kills me! But, I am so incredibly thankful for investing my time wisely in great people and great experiences.

If you haven't yet, you all need to invest yourselves. We are called to be a community of brothers and sisters and to love on each other. Why wait any longer? How can you invest yourselves, you ask? Oh... I will tell you:

First - Invest your time in seeking the Lord.
I do not know what your daily schedule is, but I am telling you right now - you have time to make with Him. If you are still shaking your head and saying, "No... Not really! You don't know me or my schedule!" Then I would respond to this effect... "Don't get sassy with me. :-) How much time a day do you spend on Facebook? Watching TV? Surfing the net?" There is time that can be made and spent wisely. When you find that time, enjoy it with the Lord. He has so much to say to you if you just shut up and listen.

Second - Invest your time in listening.
Not all the time are we supposed to be the ones talking. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to talk. It is one of my favorite things to do! But keep in mind, communication is a privilege and it works in this fashion: One sends information to another, and the other must receive it. Someone needs to be listening and it should be you. Did you know that 85% of what we know comes from JUST LISTENING? Or that 7 out of 10 minutes a day we are communicating with another human? Shocking stats, ya'll. Listening is not only vital to your life, but in the lives of yours family, friends, and peers.

Third - Invest yourself in friendships.
"Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight," (Proverbs 27:9). God desires that we build strong communities with each other. Friendships are not just about kids you eat lunch with - it is about sharing a part of yourself that only God knows. Open up to others, let them open up to you, and love on them with the love that God shows you. LOVE people unselfishly. This has become one of the greatest lessons I have learned this past semester.

Fourth - Invest yourself in new experiences.
Life is too short not to have fun and climb and mountain. Try to experience this world that God has created. Seek Him in all that you do because He wants you to experience Him in so many ways. Your relationship with the Lord comes from many things - not just prayer - but through people, experiences, and your personal time with Him.

If I never invested in these things, my college experience would how have turned out life this at all. My relationship with the Lord would not be where it is right now. My friendships would not be as strong as they are today. Invest today - whatever it takes. If that means that today is the day you dust off your Bible, then great. If that means that today is the day you call an old friend and catch up, do it. Do not wait around anymore - make this happen!

1 comment:

  1. thanks for the oh-so nice shout out, eli! i agree--one will NEVER regret investing in genuine and loving relationships. there are few things that more readily show the face of the Lord. I loved spending time with you last night, and realized how much I miss you too.

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