by Samantha D’Shay
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: We recognize that many of you girls are out of school and no longer have spring break. Frustrating as that is, we encourage you to take the ideas in this post into consideration and create your own mini spring break in the coming weeks (or weekends) if you can.
It’s that time of year again! So ladies, pack up your Snuggies and mittens, and break out your sun dresses and flip-flops. Spring is in the air! A season widely known for its ideas of rebirth, renewal and regrowth, spring is a great time to start anew. And for college students, we all know what this season brings: spring break.
By common definition, spring break is a time for getting together with friends and forming the largest parties with the most alcohol. But there are different, more productive ways to spend your week, so don’t let the normal idea of college spring break distort your decision making when planning your week of freedom from the obligation of waking up and dragging your tired self to class!
This is time for you to sit back and relax: be good to yourself! Take full advantage of this time to catch up on things—maybe housework, sleep or even some school work. Grab a seat alone or with a friend in front of the TV for a movie night, or take a long, hot bath with a book. If weather permits, don’t hesitate to take a walk or run.
Listen to some music, and enjoy the beauty of the world God created for us. Make sure to take a moment to ponder and realize that you are you, and you are wonderful and special no matter how you choose to spend your free time. What you do does not define who you are as a person, but it does influence your emotions, which is of importance to you, not others! This being why it is imperative that you use this time wisely.
You could also take some time to reflect on your life and where you stand with the Lord. Forgive someone that you’ve had a hard time forgiving, or do some volunteer work in your community. Another great way to spend this break for college students that live far away from their family is to go home. We all know that home is where the heart is, so make a much-needed trip home and spend a week with your family. There’s also the option of an exploratory vacation with a friend or family member. Explore the world: visit a waterfall, a museum, or any other landmark that you’ve been itching to see. This is the perfect time to do so.
If you make sure to do things that make you feel replenished in mind, body and spirit, you will return to school after spring break ready to take on the last half of the semester with plenty of energy and possibly a new point of view. Rather than focusing on what the masses have in store for their break, focus on what Jesus has in store for you! Don’t let society pressure you into falling off the path of righteousness this Spring Break. Take the time to pray, rest, and have some good, clean fun.
How will you let your faith lead you to make the right choices in light of the season of life-beginnings?