I had a simple, yet brilliant conversation with a friend on Christmas Eve. My friend is a Christian who's faith makes mine look like a half-empty bottle of questionable apple juice to his overflowing goblet of eggnog latte.
He listened to me pour out my heart about how badly I wanted a job, great relationships, and some new Jack Purcell Converse shoes for about 30 minutes until I had run out of things to say. Looking me square in the eyes he said, "Luke, sometimes people misinterpret their will as God's will."
This made me think for a moment and so I inquired further as to his meaning. He said, "you've spent the last half-hour telling me what you've wanted and how you think these things are all God's will, but really you're just telling me what you want and then stamping God's seal of approval on it."
How often do you find yourself doing this? In your job search, dating relationships, service projects? Sometimes we just want God to approve our personally planned goals, never stopping to ask what GOD'S will is in the first place.
Christmas break is a great time to have conversations with people outside your circle of influence around school. Take an hour to talk with a fellow believer over coffee and renew your spiritual strength.
-Luke