The season of coursework deadlines and exams has got me thinking, but with all the typing I've done lately this won't be a long post...I hope!
I
used to get pretty stressed about coursework, the worst was my A level history
when I struggled to sleep. On one occasion I was so upset about it I started
hyper-ventilating from crying too much. But I have become far more peaceful
through uni with my deadlines, which I put down to a number of things. My
housemates are pretty chilled too, so there's not an atmosphere of people being
stressed. I have learnt more about my style of working and how I work best. And
finally I have learnt to trust in God's peace and strength, knowing that "I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13.
What
I want to write about is now I know how I work best I have also learnt that
this means I cannot compare how I am doing with other people's progress. This
can cause you to feel stressed when someone else has written far more of an
essay than you, or they're not bothering to revise for an exam till the last
minute because they're really confident. Know that God has given us each unique
gifts (Romans 12:3-8) which I think can be applied to this context too. We have
different abilities and strengths, so don't compare yourself to
others God made you differently, that shouldn't be something to worry about.
Some people may find the comparison motivates them. That's fine, if that works then
great.
A
final verse I've found encouraging is Micah 6:8 - All that God requires of us
is to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
The
Message translation says:
"But
he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what
God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair
and just to your neighbour,
be
compassionate and loyal in your love,
And
don’t take yourself too seriously—
take
God seriously."
So
if it gets to the end of the day and you've not done the work you had wanted to
do, don't beat yourself up about it, that wasn't what God requires of you.
Although
I'm not saying it's a get out of work, as Colossians 3:23-24 says:
"Whatever you do, work
heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will
receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
