The Journey

Life is a journey, and this school year will be an important part of your journey. Sometimes we have

Risks

The first risk is when the path is not clear. What should we do when life becomes fuzzy? I was on the island of Borneo a few years ago when I decided to climb Mt. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. While the path initially started out very clearly marked, I soon ended up struggling to find my way through the jungle. At that moment, I experienced an epiphany: I needed a guide!

David also came to that realization. “Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path” (Psalm 27:11 KJV). And God responded, “I will teach you in the way you should go. I will guide you” (Psalm 32:8 NIV).

God, then, offers to be the Guide. But there is a condition, we must trust the guide. David said, “When I am afraid”—when I am confused and uncertain what to do, “I will trust in you” (Psalm 56:3 NKJV).

There is a second risk: Sometimes the road goes dark. What should we do when life is murky? David declared, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).

When the road is dark, the Word is light. Again, there is a condition. We must study the Word. Then God’s Word, like a lighthouse, will guard us, protecting us from the perils of the journey; and like runway lights, it will direct us safely to our destination.

Third, there is risk when the road divides. What are we to do when the path splits and we are faced with difficult decisions, choices that can dramatically impact our lives? Then “your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21 NKJV). That is why David said, “May your Spirit lead me!” (Psalm 143:10 TNIV).

The condition? We must listen to the voice of God’s Spirit, and we must be willing to follow.

As you face life’s journey: Trust God. Study the Word. Be attentive to the voice of the Spirit. These will safeguard your journey.

Insights

Plan your journey. The first step in planning your journey is to select your destination. What do you want to achieve? Set academic and personal goals for the year. Having a destination helps you stay focused and motivated throughout the journey.

Once you have chosen your destination, select your route. This can include what classes to take, in what extracurricular activities to engage, and what spiritual priorities to make your focus. As you set your goals and choose your route, ask for God’s guidance. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV).

Pack the essentials. Preparation is key! Just as you'd pack essentials for a road trip, ensure that you are prepared for classes, both physically and emotionally. Being organized sets a positive tone for the year.

Perhaps an even more important part: Live life simply. It is easy for life to become cluttered. It is easy to fill your car with so many things that you can’t even see out the windows. Make it a priority to unclutter your life.

Update your map. Conditions change. Perhaps there is a new bridge, and you don’t have to drive around the bay. Maybe there is a traffic jam ahead, and you need to take an alternate route. Stay connected with your academic advisor. They will help you update your map. Likewise, don’t just depend on a relationship with God in the distant past. Update your spiritual map each day.

Fuel up. Stay energized! Just as a car needs fuel to run, your body and mind need proper nourishment. Maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, exercise, and get enough sleep. Your physical well-being directly influences your academic performance.

Focus forward. While you can glance at the past, you cannot navigate the future in the rearview mirror.  And be careful not to gaze too long out the side windows. You drift where you focus. Focus on where you want to go. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of college and making new friends, but it's also important to stay on track and safeguard your grades. Paul said, “This one thing I do.”

Take breaks. A long trip requires breaks to stretch, to rest and recharge. Fatigue can lead to burnout, so schedule short breaks in your study routine. This helps you return to your tasks with renewed focus.

On your trip, you will get tired, maybe even exhausted. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV). One of the most important rest stops comes each week on Sabbath, where we set aside the rush and focus on the higher priorities.

Expect the unexpected. Road trips often come with challenges. Don’t be surprised when you encounter academic and personal challenges. Embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Earlier this summer, when I first arrived on campus, I connected my computer to the network and proceeded to queue a page that I needed to print. After a few seconds a message came back: “Print job could not be completed. You have no money.” And I said, “What else is new?!”

When you encounter the unexpected, be prepared to problem-solve. Resilience and adaptability are valuable traits. James writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4 NIV). Navigate challenges as opportunities for growth, knowing that difficulties develop character.

Stay safe. Safety is crucial! Prioritize your well-being and take care of your mental health. Reach out to counseling services if needed. Ask for help if you feel that you are struggling. Your professors, advisors, chaplains, and deans are here to help you succeed in college.

And when you feel worried or anxious, God is a lifeline. Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV). Entrust your worries and concerns to God, finding His peace in challenging times.

Be kind. Some drivers will cut you off! Be kind! Some may blast their horn! Be kind! They may be having a bad day, but by being kind, you preserve the goodness of your own day.

When I came to the campus for a visit in March, I rented a car in South Bend. After arriving on campus, I parked in the Seminary parking lot. At the end of the day, I found myself on the far side of campus, near the guestroom where I was staying. Early the next morning, I walked over to the Seminary parking lot to retrieve the car – it was the only one sitting in the lot.

There was a note tucked under the windshield wiper. By the looks of it, it was the last piece of paper that someone had. The note said: “Campus safety won’t be very happy if you park in this lot overnight. Ask them where to park.” I did! And I appreciated the kindness of whoever wrote me that note.

Budget wisely. A trip requires managing time and funds. Likewise, manage your resources carefully. Make a budget and keep track of expenses. This is great training for financial success in life.

If you visit my office, you will see a nameplate on my windowsill. When I was a student here at Andrews, I worked a job each semester. It was a meaningful part of my educational experience, one that taught me many valuable lessons that I have carried with me through the years.

After a couple of years, they asked me to manage a computer lab on campus, and I received this nameplate for my desk. Since then, I have lived around the world, and I still have it with me! While you are here at Andrews University, consider a job, not only to earn part of your way, but, more importantly, to gain experience. It will also look very good on your resume!

Share the journey. Take others along with you. You’ll have the opportunity for shared experiences and shared memories. At same time, who you choose as travel companions matters. People can influence your mindset and success.

Surround yourself with positive and supportive friends who encourage your growth. Proverbs 13:20 advises, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (NIV). Surround yourself with friends who share your Christian values and encourage your spiritual growth. Your companions should uplift your faith. Remember, a traveling companion is especially valuable if they know the way. Share your journey with God.

Embrace the experience. A trip is about enjoying the journey, not just reaching the destination. So, savor the journey. Value each experience along the way. Choose to be happy!

David exclaimed, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24 NIV). Approach each day as a gift from God, embracing the experiences and opportunities He places before you. Find joy in the journey!

Wrap

Life is a sacred journey. You are on a path, and from here, you can only go forward. Andrews University is a special part of your life, full of opportunities for learning and growth. Embrace the challenges and the joys. Make the most of this transformative experience. Allow God to shape your life story into a magnificent journey, a journey of courage, beauty, and purpose.

Scripture says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT). Then you can declare, “You have made known to me the path of life. Your presence has filled me with joy!” (Psalm 16:11).

Life is a journey. God is the Guide. Trust the Guide!