It's great to be in college again

Every stage in life has its ups and downs, some with longer ups or downs than others. College was a hectic time for me, from transitioning out of a relatively sheltered existence of high school to experiencing all kinds of cultures/beliefs; to getting used to the tougher academics and not being on the top; to dealing with issues of identity and community.

But hindsight is 20/20 and the struggles in college seem miniscule (or at least not as big as they used to be) compared to the past few years of the post-graduate period, in which the transition from a predominantly single-centered world to a largely dating/marriage/family-centered world is a tough one, esp. for those who still feel left behind as others move on. That must be why going back to my alma mater today and having a reunion with some friends felt like such a relief from me, a temporary escape from the realities that I deal with on an ongoing basis as the single, Christian, pre-professional student (each of the three descriptors having the potential to be isolators from society at large).

Part of me does not want to cave in just to conform and join that married/family circle. I do recognize the importance of restoration/sanctification through the process of having to show unconditional, patient love towards a spouse and children and I earnestly hope for it one day, but that day does not seem now, at least in the circumstances in which God has placed me.

Complete reliance on God's timing in this matter requires tremendous patience and trust on my part, which is frankly tough to maintain, as the single Christian man is bombarded by temptations of all kinds, including wanting to pursue those who don't really fit the Proverbs 31 type that one should pursue for peace/love/harmony in alignment of some core beliefs about life and God.

But I am reminded today, as we reflect upon Easter, that "I am not my own and was bought with a price." Jesus had his destiny of coming to this world to die for us on behalf of our sins. If my destiny is to know God and enjoy Him forever, then this present suffering is not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us in the future. I should be willing to let the Lord use me in any way for furthering His Kingdom, even if that doesn't involve a spouse or a family in the near future. There is a time and purpose for all things. The time that I am clearly obsessive about is not yet come, and to have perfect peace about that would be amazing.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen.

Change is happening this Easter 2009.
I can feel it.