If you’re anything like me, you’re so thankful lecturers are finally giving you a break from reading pages and pages each week, you’ve stepped outside for the first time this week and what’s better you can start answering ‘yes’ to those text messages from friends, asking ‘can we hang out?’
This, my dear friends is called a mid-year break! (Or the end of Term 2 if you’re in High School).
Cherish it, my friends. Because like all good and beautiful things, it eventually comes to an end.
Now, you’re probably thinking; of course, I will use this break wisely! I’ve scheduled all my Netflix binges, breakfast dates, books to read and sleep ins. The holidays are going to be spent doing NOTHING and yet everything! But can I make a quick suggestion to your epic list of fun things to do?
Schedule some time with J-Dawg. The big J, J-C… you know who I mean. Jesus.
Go out for a coffee, take your journal and check in with how you’re feeling. Use this time to check in and reflect on the 6 months that have just passed. You can reflect on where you think life is taking you, and why not bring Jesus into that chat through journaling. Maybe even shout yourself that nice piece of cake you’ve been eyeing off.
The point I’m trying to make here is, now that you have heaps of time- and brain space- why not spend some time and brain space with the God who loves and died for you.
Now, don’t get me wrong, just cause I say this doesn’t mean I always do it. I forget- all the time- that God is there waiting to speak to me and give me what I need. Instead I watch 4 episodes of Reign back to back with the hope of feeling fulfilled and relaxed.
And I mean, it’s a great show, but after each binge sesh, I realise that I still feel like my heart is lacking something. That something is time with the amazing Jesus.
So these holidays I am going to take a change of pace. I am going to slow down my mornings and my evenings- drink my coffee slower, eat my breakfast out on the patio in the winter sun, and read some fulfilling and fruitful stories about Jesus from the Bible. And then at night, slowly ease into the bed with a good book, journaling and prayer to reflect on my day. I’m going to take time to be thankful for everything I have in my life.
So, what are you going to do these holidays, to really ignite your relationship with Jesus? Maybe if you’re between 18-25 years old you can come along to our Young Adult Weekend; to relax, encounter Jesus in a new way and make friends who you can share your faith with? Trust us, you will absolutely love it.
Take it easy these holidays, but remember the one who will always be thinking of you, and spend time praying and discovering just what Jesus has in store for your life.
“Walking up the mountain is way harder!”
These words might be ringing in your ears from the final talk as you walk down from the mountain top experience of Ignite Conference. You may have already faced challenges these past few weeks. You might feel alone. You could be doubting your experience…and don’t those old habits and relationships that are no longer compatible with this new way of life look attractive?! I said that the people who told you life would be difficult when you walk down the mountain were lying… you may be thinking that I was the one who lied to you.