Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

 "Free at last…"

Those were my thoughts three weeks ago in May when the dean of my school handed me my diploma at graduation. I tried to stay composed but my mind was ready to leap for joy; I was finally finished at the university and onto whatever else God has in store for me.

Though I was ready to be free, I can’t forget how much my college years formed and shaped me into who I am today, and who I am becoming. Through blessings, trials (and tests), I learned several spiritual lessons in and outside of the classroom. Here are just a few of them that I came upon and I am still learning:

First Things Are First – "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

It’s funny how things come into place when you let God navigate your life. I could try all I can to make things happen, and become tired at trying to struggle with His plan.

He gives us free will, but His Will is priceless and perfect. He always knows exactly what we need, even if it doesn’t line up with what we think we want. When we try to force our own self-satisfying way, we hurt, but when we wait on Him, He often gives us more blessings then we thought were possible.

Author C.S. Lewis said it like this: "When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased." When we seek to please God before ourselves, God takes care of your “second things.”

Focus – "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Luke 10: 41-42

While I was in college I was juggling multiple projects, business ventures, and events, and in the whirlwind of it all I had to remember to be content, to be still. We can get so wrapped up with worrying, trying to do more and become more, but the best way to live and know what we’re really supposed to do is to sit to Jesus’ feet, quietly listening to His voice and seeking His face. God tells us, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

With All Your Heart – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23
This is one verse that got me through many a test and paper my senior year. When “senior-itis” hits and assignments seem purposeless, I reflected on the verse above (and stuck it up on the wall above my desk to keep reminding myself). The Bible reminds us to do everything we do to the glory of God, from the smallest actions, to living out our God-given passions in His name. Whether it is singing, writing, dancing, teaching, and doing well in school, we can do it all as a way of worshiping God. When we focus on doing the best we can even at the tiny tasks, He is glorified. J. Moss reminds us in the song "We Must Praise":

“If I were a writer I would use a pencil. I would use my voice if I were a singer… No matter who or what we are we must praise… If I were an eagle I would use my wings, since I’m a believer I use everything…With our gifts we exalt Thee, merciful, wonderful God. We must praise."

He Lights the Way – This is what the LORD says — your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:17-18

In dark skies, we wonder where God is, but then the clouds part and we realize He was right there, always, guiding the way. We can try so hard to hurry His blessings, and to skip the trial period. Sometimes it is within the furnace that He’s shaping us for what’s to come.

Instead of fighting and trying to be in control, I’m slowly learning in to let go control of my wings, and let my life resume on autopilot, with God at the helm. When I look around, I realize how boundless His possibilities are, and how even when my circumstances look dim, He’s still in control and knows what’s best. Amidst the darkness He’s able to shine His glory.

Though commencement marks end of the college career, to commence really means to begin. These lessons are just the commencement of what God has and will be teaching me. I’m just beginning to enter the journey He has charted. I’m just waiting for His direction…

Note: Now that I’m liberated from school I can finally put this journalism degree to use here at Dream in Soul…

– Julene, Editor and founder of Dream in Soul and SOAR
Visit my personal blog online at www.dreamfleur.com