Reflections, Parachute, Hiking, and Team Jonathan

“And here's where I take another step out of the comfort zone. Every bit of my logical brain told me to sign up again for ISM leadership next year, but God kept telling me that something in the fall is going to require a lot of my time and lead to great opportunity, and I just need to trust Him.People kept asking me what I was going to do next year, and telling them I wasn't doing leadership again hurt my heart a little each time because that's where my heart has been for this past year. Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to be involved with ISM as much as I can, but in the meantime, God is starting to reveal to me what exactly this next year is going to look like for me.

Well, it's looking like He wants me to start leading in other areas on campus. I was appointed treasurer for the Italian Club that was just started and I'm now the official photographer and a committee chair for the Pencils of Promise chapter that just began at UGA. I'm so grateful for both of these wonderful opportunities and looking forward to what else is in store for the semester! I realize they're going to be huge time commitments, but I could not be more excited to start this new chapter of my college life.”

This is a piece of one of my posts from earlier this year (April 28^th to be exact). I was reading back through my old posts and these lines hit me hard. Now that the new semester has actually started, I can see more of what He had planned for me this year. First of all, let me start by saying that this is probably the first time in a while that I’ve actually been excited about getting up in the morning to go to class. Now that I’m in classes related to my major, playing volleyball again, and devoting my time to things that I love, my life has become more enjoyable; and it makes it easier to get up in the morning, even after those nights with 4-5 hours of sleep.

Oh, and also, I have a dog this semester, and adopting and bringing her here was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made. While she is a huge time commitment, she’s completely worth it. There’s nothing better than being gone for a couple of hours and coming home to a dog who acts like she hasn’t seen you in a year. And while I’m on the topic, here’s two of my favorite dog quotes:

“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” 
- John Grogan, Marley and Me

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” - Roger A. Caras

And here’s a picture of MJ (She has her own Facebook page too cause she’s that cool – look her up: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006333943990&fref=ts):

Me & MJ

So, I was praying a couple weeks ago for God to do something in my life. Like all the other people my age, I want to make a difference in the world, and I’ve got to start somewhere. His general advice on the topic was Give your whole heart to a few of your passions. Don’t divide yourself between so many things to where you’re exhausted at the end of the week. You’re not going to be helping anyone in that case.

I realize that that’s exactly what I’m trying to do this semester. I’ve picked a few areas where I want to pour my heart out into. I’ve found I have more energy and motivation as a result. While it’s hard to say no to other organizations and projects, I have to manage my time. One thing I do love about myself, though, is my ability to balance and manage my time between the various things I’m involved with.

I have to remember to keep time for myself to recharge as well. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m kind of an introvert, so I need time by myself to read, go for a walk, or chill out for a little. While a 30 minute walk might seem trivial, for me it’s crucial so I can mentally make it through the day without shutting down.

Also, we just started a series at Athens Church last week called “The Comparison Trap.” If you haven’t heard this message from Andy Stanley, listen to it. It’s probably been one of the most powerful messages I’ve heard in a while. And it’s definitely a topic that applies to all of us. I’ll probably do a separate blog post about it later, but if you want to listen, here’s the link: http://northpoint.org/messages/comparison-trap/ I don’t really know how the site works and stuff, but I’m sure it’s not too complicated.

In other news, I went to a Parachute concert in Atlanta on Friday, and they are AMAZING. Will brings it, and I love their music. They’re still kind of a smaller band, so their set-ups are a lot more intimate, and my sister and I made it to the front by the end of the show. I ran into one of my friends from high school there too, so that was a nice surprise! And, by the way, if you haven’t heard of Parachute, look up some of their music! You won’t regret it! I also went hiking (aka “tramping” for all my New Zealand friends) yesterday, so that was a nice break out in nature. I put a couple pictures below if you care to check them out.

Parachute @ The Masquerade, ATL

Anna Ruby Falls Trail

Anna Ruby Falls

Yeah, so that’s pretty much what’s been going on in my life for the past couple of weeks. It’s just a little overview now that school is in full swing again. I probably left out some stuff, but I was just kind of rambling on about whatever came to mind. AND - I’m excited for the finale of Brother vs. Brother tonight! You better be watching J (#TeamJonathan) Peace Out!

Megan

I Don't Have Enough Time

It’s an excuse that we've all heard and definitely one that I’m guilty of using over and over again. So I need to prioritize, make time, cut back, pack my schedule, and on and on. But you know what I really discovered? I have enough time. And it’s because I've failed to realize this simple reality that I've missed out on certain things in the last few years.

I’m sure at this point, you’re probably not exactly agreeing with me. But that’s ok – I’m going to do my best to explain what I mean.

First of all, stop trying to impress someone. Look at your life and ask yourself: Am I doing something just so people with think I’m cool (even if I really don’t enjoy it). And while that might initially sound silly, I really want you to ask yourself that question. I mean, why would you waist time when you don’t even have enough hours in the day? Don’t waste time being involved with something you’re not willing to give 150% to.

Secondly, take time to just sit and do nothing. While that may seem counter-intuitive, I've found that I tend to be more efficient when I take a few minutes out of my day to just be in the moment. For me, this is when I walk my dog, but it can and probably will look different for you.

Third. What do you enjoy? What makes you light up with excitement and passion? Find whatever that is and do it.  Do it with all of your heart and you will have an impact on this world.

On another note, I haven’t blogged in a while. Now that the awesome craziness of summer if over, you can probably start to expect at least one or two posts a month again. School has officially begun again, and I love my classes so far. I know they’re going to require a lot of time, but I can’t wait.

Happy, happy, happy,

Megan