by Serena Robles – Sunday, January 13, 2013
The first few days back at NU after break are always a bit awkward for me. It is in these days where I spend a lot of time reflecting and asking God where He is in my moments and what He wants me to learn. Always, He reminds me of the need for community.
I write this blog post during an awkward transition. For me, the first few days of either coming back to school or going home for break are a bit awkward. If I’m going home, I’m still hyped up on being at NU, I miss all my friends here, and I miss my entire life here. When returning to school, my heart breaks as I leave the place I grew up in. Essentially, the first few days are a bit of a purgatory for me as I try to reinsert myself into my surroundings.
During these first few days, I like to be alone, it sounds depressing, but really it isn’t, I promise! I like to sit and observe, and sit and reflect on the past few weeks of my life. In this time, most importantly, I ask God to show me where He is in all of this. In my transitions, and in my reflections, where is He? What is He teaching me in this time?
One thing I’ve come to realize in my time of reflections, despite my introverted needs, is that God constantly reminds me (and all of us) to be in community.
When I think of going home, I don’t think of the times I’m by myself, I think of the times I’m with family and friends. I think of visiting old hangouts with dear friends. I think of spending time with my Mom or my siblings.
The same is when I come back to NU. I don’t think of the times I’m holed up in my room or in the library studying my brains out (I try to avoid those thoughts at all costs!!), I think about my crazy and lovely roommates and our random conversations. I think of late-night walks to the Met Market and back with my core group of friends despite the cold. I think of Lighthouse (the homeless outreach) and going out into Seattle with brothers and sisters in Christ building relationships and sharing the love of Christ with homeless individuals.
All of the things I love involve community, and this is what I believe God is speaking to me in my daily life. Be in community. Be immersed in people and relationships.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
When I first came to Northwest, I quickly realized this is something that the school loves as well. You’ll see it in the dorms and (sometimes) in the student apartments. You’ll see it in lifegroups — not only are people seeking God on a deeper level, but in lifegroups, you make a deep connection with new friends that is so unique and wonderful.
If ever I get the chance to meet you, I would highly encourage you to be in community as well. As you grow in your relationship with God, you’ll realize it is incredibly important to have deep relationships and a strong community around you to grow with. Luckily enough, Northwest University is a great place to experience great community and life-changing relationships.
Serena Robles is a Christ-following, book-reading, San Diego grown/Seattle dwelling Psychology major at NU! She’s often found talking to homeless people or dreaming up adventuresome shenanigans. You can peruse her Twitter/Instagram @Serena_Lan.
Posted on Sunday, January 13, 2013 by Serena Robles
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