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Day 13 – Service
As I’m writing this we recently celebrated the summer birthdays for all the cousins, which included my 2-year-old son. My family likes to do things big and works to make a fun environment for the kids by having cake, balloons, streamers and other decorations. It’s not lavish but it is more than plenty.
As the kids all unwrapped their presents my 3-year old-daughter got upset because she wanted to help her 3-year-old cousin unwrapped her presents. Mind you, unwrap, not take or play with, just be a helper. Well, the solution that grandma came up with, which was obviously previously thought out, was to give presents to all the cousins who weren’t celebrating a summer birthday. So my daughter got some My Little Ponies, for no reason other than she was upset.
For some reason since I’ve had kids, it’s those moments of abundance that cause me to pause and feel convicted. My family has plenty, ample, enough, more than enough…abundance, particularly compared to our global community. First, I feel convicted because how am I really using my abundance to be an agent of change and renewal in God’s Kingdom? Second, because of my family’s abundance, I feel convicted on how I am shaping the family educational environment for my children. How am I exposing them to the needs of the world so that they can use their strengths and passions to meet those needs?
As you head into your first year in college I challenged you to think about others, not yourself, but others. Here are some questions for thought:
- How will I positively impact my community? (local, national or global – start where you can).
- How and when do I put myself in front of others? (because really, if we look at God’s calling our lives, it’s not about you, it’s about serving others and therefore serving Him).
Belmont is a place that will challenge you – particularly in how you will use your strengths, gifts, talents and time to engage and transform God’s Kingdom. I didn’t go to Belmont so it took me a long time to figure out that it’s not about me. But I know you’re in an environment where you will be constantly challenged with the concept that “it’s not about me.”
Ben Lion | Director of New Student and Parent Programs
As I’m writing this we recently celebrated the summer birthdays for all the cousins, which included my 2-year-old son. My family likes to do things big and works to make a fun environment for the kids by having cake, balloons, streamers and other decorations. It’s not lavish but it is more than plenty.
As the kids all unwrapped their presents my 3-year old-daughter got upset because she wanted to help her 3-year-old cousin unwrapped her presents. Mind you, unwrap, not take or play with, just be a helper. Well, the solution that grandma came up with, which was obviously previously thought out, was to give presents to all the cousins who weren’t celebrating a summer birthday. So my daughter got some My Little Ponies, for no reason other than she was upset.
For some reason since I’ve had kids, it’s those moments of abundance that cause me to pause and feel convicted. My family has plenty, ample, enough, more than enough…abundance, particularly compared to our global community. First, I feel convicted because how am I really using my abundance to be an agent of change and renewal in God’s Kingdom? Second, because of my family’s abundance, I feel convicted on how I am shaping the family educational environment for my children. How am I exposing them to the needs of the world so that they can use their strengths and passions to meet those needs?
As you head into your first year in college I challenged you to think about others, not yourself, but others. Here are some questions for thought:
- How will I positively impact my community? (local, national or global – start where you can).
- How and when do I put myself in front of others? (because really, if we look at God’s calling our lives, it’s not about you, it’s about serving others and therefore serving Him).
Belmont is a place that will challenge you – particularly in how you will use your strengths, gifts, talents and time to engage and transform God’s Kingdom. I didn’t go to Belmont so it took me a long time to figure out that it’s not about me. But I know you’re in an environment where you will be constantly challenged with the concept that “it’s not about me.”
Ben Lion | Director of New Student and Parent Programs
About this Plan
This 40 day prayer plan was written by students, faculty and staff at Belmont University as a daily devotional for incoming freshmen. Each day guides and encourages new college students in their faith in Jesus Christ through the word of God and the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of the contributing authors. May these words help you grow in your love for God and your love for others!
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We would like to thank Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
