First things first

First thing’s first.

Indiana Wesleyan’s “Verse of the Year” is Matthew 6:33: “Seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness and all these things will be given to you.”

On our first chapel, Umfundisi talked about how we need to get our priorities straight. What’s consuming our time? Are we worrying about who’s on Facebook instead of schoolwork? Are we watching volleyball games out the window instead of reading our Bibles? (Heh. Heh.)

I decided to commit myself to this, signing a piece of paper and everything.

Then Wednesday night happened.

I am having a blast at college, really, I am. But I had a rough night on Wednesday. I was writing my first paper (yes, it was loads of fun) and out of nowhere my “c” key just started typing. I had random c’s all over my letter to Shane Claiborne. (And yes, that was my assignment.)

It was 11:20 at night. I had class at 7:50am.

So I took the key off.

In hindsight, not the best idea. I have taken keys off before–I had a sticky m a while back–but usually I get the suckers back on. This stupid c would not go back on.

I spent a half hour trying to get the thing back on. I failed.

The next day I went to IT. Right when it closed.

The c’s kept appearing. The key was still off.

And God said to Lauren, “First things first.”

I let things escalade too much. I got the wrong book for a class, I need more school supplies, my ice tray can’t fit in my freezer, this chinese food is too salty!, c’s fall off… and I make a big deal out of them all. Oh please. Get over it, girl.

This is my first semester of college. My goal is to not be overwhelmed with stress, to be on top of my homework so I never have to pull all-nighters or cram for tests.

For those of you in school or have full-time jobs, I challenge you to do the same. Don’t let the little things get you down. “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” as they say. When you start to feel overwhelmed, talk to God. He values rest. He created a whole day for it, actually.

Forget about all the c-keys in your life, keeping you up late worrying. It’s not worth it. Trust God.

First things first.

September 6, 2008

Posted in Nonfiction and tagged college, priorities.