Sam's Journal « First-Year Student Journals

Getting Involved

October 27, 2005 | 11 comments

Since my first week at Biola I knew I wanted to get involved. But the hours of the day are not enough. I guess I'm wondering when I can say I am booked and can't do anymore.

Let me explain my schedule. Monday night I'm a free man, or at least I'm supposed to be but there is always homework to do. From Tuesday to Thursday I am booked with clubs or meetings. On Friday I work at Eagle's Nest (which is Biola's on-campus fast food restaurant). Although I recently got this job, it has already interfered with my Teen Challenge ministry, a ministry I only got to participate in once. In addition, every other Saturday I go to Tijuana as part of the TJ Ministry. Then sometimes on Sunday (and other days, too) I am helping out with the BEAT (another ministry representing Biola to local churches).

I enjoy doing all of these things and have a passion for them. The greatest thing about them is they all focus on glorifying God, though they do it in different ways. The bad thing is they interfere with each other and, therefore, I am not totally committed to any of them.

During Torrey Conferences (Biola's annual on-campus ministry conference) I got convicted to do more for the kingdom of God, but my grades are telling me to do the opposite.

I received my grade for a test I took in Psychology and felt like I was at the bottom of the food chain. I "earned" a low grade. I called my mom to tell her the news (just for the record I call my mom each day). She lifted me up with her words and told me it was fine and to do the best I could. She said she was proud of me. The next day I went to Stats prepared to receive my grade for a recent test. I was shocked to find out I "earned" a C+. Boy did that hurt! I felt weary. I just wanted to know what I could do to bounce back.

Things got even more mind-boggling after I went to a ministry meeting that is supposed to begin during interterm. During the meeting, I was asked to explain how I had heard about the ministry. I told them that I had attended a meeting for the ministry at the beginning of the semester but had become too busy to get involved. Instead of saying, "We're glad to know that you're getting involved now", one of the leaders responded, "So what has taken you so much time?" I smiled in a strange way and thought how inconsiderate it was of him/her to assume I was just sitting around doing nothing. It hurt. I left the meeting assuring the leader I would be involved. Inside I wondered where my time was going.

I need to know the balance of life. Spiritual, academic, social, physical - these four parts of life are hard to keep well balanced. Since I have been at Biola, I have rearranged my schedule at least four times! The funny thing is that my last year in high school was totally the same. I was sleep deprived as I am here. But I got through it.

So as the year goes on, my game plan is to earn higher scores, have a deep relationship with my Creator, and not forget to enjoy life. I haven't gotten it figured out yet. The day seems short, but as God's word says "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" Luke 12:25, 26. My sister told me about this verse, but the idea is easier to grasp than to live. I need not to worry so much.

Comments

Michelle said... on Nov 17, 2005

Hey Sam! Wow, what a cool entry...it's so hard cuz here a lot of the tempatations aren't sinful things, it's that there are too many GOOD things and it's too easy to get distracted. I'm struggling with that too. Keep up the great work you're doing. You have an amazing heart to serve, and that's so encouraging!

David said... on Nov 18, 2005

Hey Sam... well i just read your essay man.. well it kinda made me cry bro... you know what don't worry about being envolved in everything man, remember God is more interested in obedience and NOT sacrifice, so just listen to His voice and do what He tells you too, if you feel you have too much stuff to do, ask Him if that is what He truly wants you to do, He will answer for He is ALWAYS faithful, much love man, and my prayers are with you.....

Andres said... on Nov 21, 2005

Hey Sam... I am proud of you. I've read your essay and it tells me what a hard time you had had at college, but I know you can do it and don't let go. Keep up the good work. God Bless you. I have you in my prayers.

Sara said... on Nov 25, 2005

Hey Sam.........
Definitely you are not the only one...... BUt you know what it is very important to keep in mind that is better to commit to something 100% than a small % to many things..... I did that in highschool and it brought to many issues... I am reminded of it now... God knows your heart and is going to lead you to what he wnats you to do... but pay close attention sometimes we can miss it... because we want to do what

Gersom Aguilar said... on Dec 7, 2005

Hey big sam! I know what your talking about. I went through the same thing too, in fact I still kind of am. Let me know when you want to get togeather and play ball or run on the track...I know it's finals week but...I think it could help both of us.

Mr. C said... on Dec 12, 2005

Sam
Keep Christ as your focus and you should be fine. A previous post stated that it is better to be 100% committed to a few than 50% committed to many. That holds some truth. I have learned that it isn't always what you do, but what is the heart with which you do it. I'm proud of you.

Diego Zaragoza Tejas said... on Dec 12, 2005

Sam,
You might find this akward; I am writing you from South Africa. I have taken some time off to explore one of the most sacred areas on this earth... the nature that the forgotten continent offers.

Your writing offers a lot of insight on your life and what God means to you. I won't delve into the Holy issue... you know my feelings on that... but I will say that your dedication to him makes you an individual of valor, integrity and conviction. I am very proud of where life is taking you. However, you should be proud of yourself for being a successful icon for your community and loved ones. Don't give it 100%... but 1000%! This is my last week in Africa. I'll be travelling to Japan with my family next week.

Diego

Sam said... on Dec 14, 2005

Hey Gersom thanks for offering some time to just kick it and relax... it is appreciated deeply...

Sam said... on Dec 14, 2005

Dear David my brother, thank you for encouraging me and just being all that you have. What you say is truly awesome. I love you bro.

Sam said... on Dec 14, 2005

Dear Mr.C it is real good to hear from you. What you have said in the past has ran through my mind several times. Thank you for four great years of high school and hand downs of wisdom. You are incredible.

Lauren said... on Apr 15, 2006

Hey...I was just sent a Biola e-mail to read your journal. I know high school is not the same, but I am a junior and I feel the same way so often, but the coolest part is that is always the verse I refer too when I begin to worry how the 24 hours of my day can fit in everything I need to do. From things I volunteer to do, things I have to do, AP classes, family...it gets pretty tough. Another verse I like is Matthew 11:28-30. Just remember when you put God first, everything else will begin to fall into place, and through the tough times, He is with you all the way. Isn't that awesome?
I will continue to read your journal...I am prayerfully considering attending Biola, so far, so good. I just visited the campus and it was amazing. From what I've seen, no other school makes glorifying God their main priority like Biola.
God Bless You!
Lauren

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