This past year at UA has been the most difficult, yet most rewarding experience I have ever had. I started out my sophomore year by saying “yes” to so many commitments that I never seemed to find any breaks in my day. I led a journey group, took part in two other small groups at Church at the Oaks, started a part-time job at WVUA23, tried to keep up with all of the friends I made my freshman year while also investing time in the freshmen coming in, and I was a full-time student. Trying to juggle all of these commitments was a blessing in the sense that I was meeting people and I definitely felt like I was serving the Lord in all of my actions, but it was exhausting because I didn’t know how to rest. I tried to put 100% of my efforts into everything, but I burned out fast and I learned that if I tried to put all of my efforts into everything, then I couldn’t put all of my efforts into anything. Over time, I noticed the things I did start feeling empty and I didn’t see myself bearing any fruit from the things I was doing.
I tried to put 100% of my efforts into everything, but I burned out fast and I learned that if I tried to put all of my efforts into everything, then I couldn’t put all of my efforts into anything.
It took multiple conversations with my friends to point out my need for rest in Jesus. Almost all of them pointed out a piece of scripture that I desperately needed to hear: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30. This piece of scripture taught me that my efforts to do good may have had good intentions, but I am still called to rest in Jesus because He is truly gentle and humble at heart. For the freshmen and transfer students coming to UA in the fall, it’s important to say yes to many opportunities that come your way (especially if it means finding community with like-minded believers), but don’t forget to find rest in Jesus. For all of the “yes-sayers” who are eager to do everything, understand that there is no shame to say no to something in order to rest. I am super excited to see everyone this fall,
Thomas Hargadon | Junior | Fairhope, AL | @t_harg13