I had the summer of a lifetime. Boston University was my school at the end of May, now I consider it home. I can’t thank God enough for putting me in the position he did this summer. I grew as a person and as a believer. I’ll explain one small part of my summer and how it allowed me to do both. Working as a student advisor for orientation every week we get the opportunity to take new students out on common ground. Common Ground is a program BU does in order to learn what it means to live in a pluralistic society. I flourished during Common Ground. I realized each week how deeply rooted I was in my faith and the optimism that it gave me. But, what is strange is that this summer I felt the closest I was to God and the most isolated. My attendance at church was spotty, and my time of devotion was minuscule. However, he was in my ears the entire summer. I heard him in the music. Musicians like, Kirk Franklin and Chance the Rapper kept me connected. They gave me those opportunities to slow life down and really focus on God.
Chance the Rapper in his new EP, Coloring Book, has a song called Blessings and in it he ask a simple question; Are you ready for your blessings? After the summer I had, I feel more ready than I’ve ever been. Readjusting to the speed of BU during the fall I’ve seen the amount of times I feel connected dwindle. Even the time for music is scarce. Yes, I am constantly in the church, but am I focused? In chapter 40 of Isaiah, he writes, “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” I think I have that hope in the Lord, I just need time to renew my strength.