Third Year of College: DONE!!!

Wow. Can't believe my third year of college just finished. I only have a year left. Actually, if I was not planning on minoring, I could just graduate after fall quarter. Of course, that would mean my parents would want me to move back home early. I definitely don't know what I am doing after college yet. That is why I decided to get a minor and stay for the whole year.

Anyways, it has been an interesting year. There has been a lot of growth (which I have not noticed much, but am told about). I definitely have not been as focused on spiritual gifts this year, but it has also been more of a year of learning what it means to be part of community, to help each other grow in our spiritual lives. There's also been more of an emphasis on being a leader, not necessarily with a title, but at least in example. I have always been just fine with following. However, as a man of God, I will eventually have to lead, whether that is finding someone to disciple or leading my own family when I have one.

It has been a blessing being discipled by Brian this year. While sometimes it was hard to meet at the time we set, we were still able to meet up almost every week. I've learned to be more vulnerable through it, and it has been a time where I learned what a discipleship relationship should be like. It has also been a time of asking questions, of sharing weaknesses, and of living life together.

I have also had to manage my time better this year. More things seemed to conflict this year. In order to make more time to be involved in many things, I had to finish my readings a week early. I've also accepted that not everyone can make it to everything, and that there are people who just don't feel like they belong in the same things I feel that I belong in. Nonetheless, it does not mean I should ignore them.

It has definitely been challenging always being reminded that God has his own timing for everything. He's revealed that I can be judgmental at times and that I stereotype sometimes as well. Getting to know people better here than I did in high school is one of those things. For example, in high school I did not really talk to my friend Nikki. However, after coming to college, I've gotten to know her more as well as her now husband. It has been a blessing getting to know them well enough to be invited to their wedding.While I kind of wish I got to know more of my classmates in high school, it is kind of too late for that now.

Pledging for AGO this quarter has also been a learning experience. First of all, it reminded me to continue trusting in God's timing and not my own. There must have been a reason for me to have waited so long before I became active. Pledging with my pledge bros allowed me to be more encouraging to them. Again, when we went through hard times, we had to remember that we do all things to glorify God. I've grown in confidence. I'm still learning what "biblical masculinity" is. Most of all, I am reminded that there is always room to grow, You can never be done growing.

These are just some of the things I've learned this year. I can't wait to see what God does next year during my last year as an undergraduate student. Dear reader, I pray that you are also growing, learning each day, and taking things as they come. I pray that you notice all God has for you and all he does for you.

Until next time,
Kenneth