While at Messiah, I have become overwhelmed with the number of opportunities to use the gifts God has given me. Although I admit that this is a good problem to have, I have to ask myself: where do I draw the line? These experiences are teaching me how to answer this question.

Prior to my sophomore year, I accepted a position as an R.A. on Miller Residence Hall. I knew the role would be demanding, though I had too many alternative interests to pay my concerns any attention. As the year progressed, I accepted a second job in the admissions office, committed to serving Public Relations Student Society, became a writer for the Swinging Bridge, and began a sports-talk radio show. I thought I had the resources to excel in each of these roles. My emotions, it turns out, were lying to me. I began reaching my bed later and later until 2:00 a.m. became regular; I rarely had the energy to reach out to my friends; it became difficult to adequately man my floor; and homework was continually pushed back until late into the evening.

Somewhere along the way, it hit me: although I have all of these interests, I don’t have to cater to all of them. In order to effectively fulfill my roles, I would need to lighten the load and pour into a small number of commitments. And so, as I anticipate the arrival of my junior year, I am staring into a a period of hard work and leadership, but also rest and relaxation. It is through this down time, I am learning, that I am able to sufficiently reach others, carry out my own involvements, and do what I love. With growth ahead of me, I will continue to set these boundaries, all the while experiencing life as a healthy college student.