Just in time for high school graduation, guest blogger Danielle Smith provides some great information to pass along to the girls who will be walking off the stage, diploma in hand, and off to college this fall. Part 2 of this blog will follow tomorrow.
1. My parents really are wise.
In college, I suddenly began to understand that all the “over-protective” things my parents did for me really were for my own good. I was protected from a lot of heartache because of my parents' wisdom and insight. I also learned that the command to honor my parents found in Exodus 20:12 does not come with an age limit.
2. God cares about my grades.
Colossians 3:23 reminds us that all the work we do should be done for the glory of God, not for those around us, which includes school work. Unfortunately, I don’t think I could say that I did every assignment in college for the glory of God. A great book to read on this subject is The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness by Donald Optiz and Derek Melleby.
3. God cares about my health.
College students, especially girls, face two extremes. They can often be plagued by the “Freshman 15”-- that extra weight that results from poor exercise habits and eating unhealthy food, especially late at night. At the opposite end of the spectrum are the 40% of college girls who have an eating disorder. Neither of these extremes is healthy. There are also the issues of alcohol and drug abuse as well as premarital sex that come with their share of health concerns. God cares about these issues not only because they are a poor substitute for the life God intended for His children, but also because He cares about our physical bodies. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
4. Get plugged into local campus ministries AND a local church.
This is not an either/or option because both are vital in the life of a college student. Getting involved in an on-campus ministry is a great way to connect with other Christians on campus as well as finding ways to be on mission on your campus and around the world. It is also important to be involved in a local church during your time in college. Not only do you need the encouragement and support, but the church needs you as well.
5. I am not in college to find a husband.
Many girls fall into the trap of thinking that they "must" be married at a certain age. That being single is somehow a "second" choice, but not the best. Instead, girls need to savor this season of singleness in their lives. They can use this time to focus on getting to know Heavenly Bridegroom instead of worrying about finding a future mate. I love this quote by Jackie Kendall from her book Lady in Waiting that says, “A girl should be so wrapped up in God that a guy has to seek Him to find her.”
Danielle Smith is married to Brian Smith, the Student Pastor at Eastwood Baptist Church in Bowling Green, KY. She is a former children’s minister and a recent graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The greatest joy and honor of her life is now being a stay at home mom to Lydia, age 4 and Anna Kate, who is 21 months old. She enjoys leading worship for her church’s youth group and discipling teenage girls.
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