By Claire Hadley | Echo
The campus catchphrase this year is presence.
Dr. Habecker and the administration are trying to create and initiate a model for us students on how to fully exist wherever we are. We are trying learn to be present on our wings, at chapel, in classes-and to be present on coffee dates with friends.
But then parents come to visit.
Now don't get me wrong, my family is the most important thing in the world to me. My freshman year was very difficult, and I called my mom at least a half a dozen times a day, sometimes more. I didn't have any friends, I had a lot of health problems and I needed someone to talk to.
Gradually I stopped calling her so often, but I still call her almost every day. In fact, if a day goes by when I do not call her at least once, she begins to worry. But she never calls me just for fun. She tries her best to encourage me to be present here, and doesn't want to pull me away. She lets me call when I feel it necessary, and lets me talk all I want, but never holds me.
She does remind me daily, when I call her, homesick, that God is calling me to be here at Taylor. And God also asks-no, demands-that everything we do as Christians we do to the best of our ability and with God in mind.
1 Corinthians 10:31 details this command, saying, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." This includes being at school. And if God is asking us to be at this school, that means our minds and hearts can't be floating back to home (or to wherever our significant other is). It means that we must be completely settled and present here. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." God's will for you is where you are now, until he tells you to move on.
Family has its place, and it is an important one. They should be the ones who will always support you, whom you can call no matter what or no matter when. And they should be the ones whom you go home to during the holidays. Sometimes you need to switch and be present with your family, such as during times of personal or family crisis. At those times, whom would it benefit if you said, "Sorry fam, I can't come home for Uncle Franky's funeral, I need to stay present at campus"?
At times, situations may demand our concentration to be pulled away from Taylor. But when we are here, we really do need to put all of our focus on interacting with others on this campus. This is why campus groups, clubs and organizations are very important. Extracurriculars bring us together. So join a club, start planning get-togethers with your wing, lead a small group and go to theater and music events!
On the flip side, God did put us in a family for a reason. If you don't call your parents on a regular basis, try setting up a time once each week to catch up. If you do talk to your parents often, be careful to not let home life distract you from being present on campus. But all in all, just care about people. When you are with people, actually be WITH them. Put away your phone, take out the earbuds and take time for people-whether it's your family, or your friends here on campus.
