Priorities

Here I am, on a Tuesday night, trying to study for a test while also trying to memorize an Italian dialogue for a skit tomorrow. Then, tomorrow, after completing both, I have to immediately start studying for an test Thursday, and then start preparing for finals that start Monday morning at 8am. Overwhelmed doesn't even begin to describe how I have been feeling today.

But, a few things today have helped me to take a step back and re-prioritize my life. Today, as every other Tuesday, I went to the special needs preschool right down the street and volunteered. I could have skipped since I had so much to do, but I just couldn't. Those kids put SO MUCH JOY into my life. Why? It's simple really. They are disabled: physically, mentally, and socially, and yet they permeate joy each and every time I see them. One smile from just one child brightens my entire day, and helps remind me why I am in school. So that one day, I can have a classroom of precious 2-4 year olds of my own :) And I cannot wait until that day.

On Sunday, our priest suggested that we read over Psalm 22 during Holy Week. So, in my efforts to procrastinate, I looked it up. It is such a beautiful testament to God's unfailing love for us. My favorite line reads,

"But You, Lord, do not stay far off; my strength, come quickly to help me."

God is ALWAYS there. In the long run, He won;t care whether I get all A's this semester or not. He wants me to try my best, sure, but it's not as if He will stop loving me if I stumble a bit this semester. And so, it's time I take a good hard look at my priorities. Yes, I need to do well in my classes, and I need to try and push through and finish strong. But, my grades do NOT define me. My relationship with God defines me, and that is what I need to focus on most. Because God never strays. And, much like those beautiful special needs preschoolers, God is always encouraging.