As I prepare for my fourth year of graduate school, I can’t help but be excited about what’s ahead. Ordering textbooks and planning homework in my task manager heightens my anticipation of studying alongside incredible professors and fellow students, as daily study of Scripture has been so rewarding. As I look ahead to this final year in graduate school, I know preparing for another year of school is more than buying books and maybe reading a syllabus. Here are four pieces of advice I wish someone had reminded me of before each school year:
1. Set Healthy Boundaries on Your Time and Commitments
I’ve written in the past about how embracing limits helps us honor God as we live with a humble recognition of our limited time. This truth applies to a new school year: you need to set healthy, wise boundaries on your time and commitments, recognizing the need to use these limited, God-given resources well (Jas. 4:13-15, Ps. 90:12). Before the semester begins, write out your commitments and answer questions such as: How much time are you spending in class and on homework each week? How many hours are you working? What family, church, or personal commitments do you have on a regular basis? Understanding your commitments in this season of life gives you a clear picture of how much time you can commit to additional activities, making it easier to say no to new opportunities—even though it may be hard! Wisely embracing your limits–by having a realistic idea of your capacity–can help spare you from burnout and give you the freedom to enjoy the commitments you’ve made. Two of my favorite passages in Scripture wrestle with the Lord’s will and the importance of wisely using our God-given days (Jas. 4:13-15, Ps. 90:12). The apostle’s words, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that,” and the psalmist’s request that God would “teach us to number our days” reminds us to live wisely, recognizing that each day is another opportunity to honor God in our work, studies, and relationships.
2. Commit to Church Community
In God’s kindness, he’s given us brothers and sisters in Christ to be our spiritual family, even when we’re far from home or in school (Rom. 1:11-12). Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs us to “not neglect to meet together, but encourage one another,” and we do that by gathering for weekly worship at church. Whether in worship or outside of worship, God instructs us to pray with and for each other (Jas. 5:16). Opportunities for fellowship—such as a Bible study, small group, mentorship program, or prayer meeting—are another way God works in and through our spiritual family to strengthen and encourage our faith. As a student, regular church attendance not only gave me a spiritual family made of all ages and backgrounds, but it also enriched my walk with the Lord through worship, prayer, and regular fellowship. Take every opportunity you can to encourage and build up others, and receive that encouragement and uplifting, too (1 Thess. 5:11).
3. Leave Time for Fun
Early in college, I wrestled deeply with guilt knowing I was there to learn and study, yet also desiring to enjoy my friends and the fellowship my campus offered. As I battled this guilt, I realized I had neglected many fun things—hobbies, spontaneous outings with friends, late-night movie marathons, and so much more—and was obsessed over my studies. One verse that encouraged me as I wrestled was 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Whether I was studying (my primary duty and goal in that season of life), spending time with friends, or working my on-campus job, it was all to be done to God’s honor and glory. God wasn’t solely honored in my studies, but in the relationships, opportunities, and areas of influence he called me to. I came out of that battle with guilt committed to responsibly using my time well for all things (setting boundaries!), so when opportunities for fun things arose (spontaneous or scheduled), I could commit without guilt, knowing I had time each day to fulfill the other duties and goals God had entrusted to me. Once you’ve established your schedule and time boundaries, be open to joining late-night ice cream runs, movie marathons, or going to a basketball game, fully enjoying all aspects of this God-given season of life.
4. Remember Christ’s Work and Word
The most important thing you can do as you enter this new school year (and every season of life) is to remain grounded in Christ’s work and Word. As a student and follower of Christ, your identity is not determined by your academic performance, social calendar, or number of friends, but by Christ's finished work on your behalf. One way of reminding yourself of Christ’s work is spending regular time in Scripture, where God reminds you of your identity in him and speaks to the circumstances you face and questions you have. While you may not be in a season where hours-long periods of studying Scripture is possible, don’t let a busy season deter you from studying in the Father’s classroom. He delights to teach you more about himself!
As you prepare for this new school year, commit to studying and living well by setting healthy boundaries, committing to regular participation in your church community, leaving time for fun, and regularly reminding yourself of Christ’s work on your behalf through time in his Word. Enjoy this season God has placed you in, and commit, with his help, to investing well in your academic community, as well as your relationships with God and others.
