Stress, School, Schedules

School started last week with a BANG.

At least it feels that way.  Ever since my dual-enrollment college classes started, I feel like I've been on the computer all day doing assignments, watching videos, and reading required texts.  Phew.  Where did all the spare time of summer go?!

It can feel quite overwhelming.  One night I finished my Spanish assignment at 7:00 PM and just wanted to go to sleep.  I was exhausted.  Tired.  Stressed.

Through all the stress of school, school, school, it's easy to lose sight of the more important things.  I find myself thinking, I just want to write!  I want to read a book for FUN!  I want a break!  Ahhh!

That's what last week was like.  But it's a new week.  Let's get things into perspective.

Time is limited.  We only have (around) 14 waking hours in a day.  While many things in our lives are reaching out and claiming our precious minutes, we need to make priorities.  School is important.  We need to do it every day.  (except Saturdays and Sundays.  NO SCHOOL for me! *happy sigh*)  But what about the other things that also need dedication and time?

Blogging.  Phew.  I don't usually write this close to my posting date.  I normally create my posts days or weeks ahead of time.  But blogging is something that I have to make time for.  It's my way to encourage people all over the world.  It's how I share my thoughts.  My successes.  My failures.  It’s how I write to the glory of God.  (see Colossians 3:23)

Reading.  While reading is fun...is it always important?  I already have so many assigned books to read.  (well three, but they are long textbooks so it seems longer, okay!?)  Is reading worth my time? Am I using it to glorify God by choosing encouraging, uplifting, and challenging books?  Or is it a waste of time?

My Social Life.  Email... chats... pen-pals... the list goes on and on.  But no matter how crazy life gets, we need to be there for our friends. To pray for them.  To encourage them.  Remember though, there is a limit.  It's so easy to let the internet take over our lives.  I find myself taking breaks while doing school just to have fun with friends...but does that take me away from the more important things?

Family.  I think the second thing that gets abandoned when we are busy is our family. We push them away saying, "I have school.  I'm too busy right now."  But we still somehow have time for our social media, books, and other fun activities, don't we?  Right now I'm trying to figure out how to juggle school work and assignments and still have time to be a loving big sister and daughter.

God.  Phew.  God is definitely the first thing that's abandoned when we are busy.  How many times do you find yourself saying, "Oops.  I forgot to read my Bible today"?  If God is #1 in your life, then you won't be making these excuses.  The busyness of school helps us to reevaluate what's important in our life.  Are the "fun" things in life more important than God?

What are your priorities?  Maybe you haven't jumped into the school year yet.  Good for you!  You can make these decisions before you are forced into the middle of the craziness!  (and enjoy your time off for me!)  =P

Make sure that you are making time for the most important things in your life.  Are you doing "good" things when you can be doing "great" things?  How do you spend your precious seconds, minutes, and hours?  It's really hard for me to juggle all the things I need to do in only one day.  Sometimes I get off school when it's nearly dinner time.  (college dilemmas *sigh*)  But that does NOT give me an excuse to spend the last few hours of my day (tired as I might be!) glorifying and pleasing myself.

What are your priorities?  What things are important to you?  Examine your life, and I think you'll find out.

Did you start the school year yet?  How do you organize your priorities?  What are some things that threaten to come between you and God when you are busy?  Comment below!