College Freshmen, Choose Your Path Wisely

It's been one month since brand new college students moved into their dorm rooms on campuses all over the US.  The first few weeks go quickly as these young and men and women enjoy their many new found freedoms.  Now, one month in, everyone begins to find themselves establishing new routines.

In the opening month of college, incoming freshmen are flooded with opportunities to be involved in a variety of student organizations and groups.  With excitement and curiosity, they give some a try and once in a while some of them stick.

I was heavily involved with Athletes In Action while I was in college.  I wore many hats within the Christian athlete ministry.  Each start of the school year, we would put together freshmen welcome bags and distribute them during "welcome week."  Several new student-athletes would check the box on the information card that said they were interested in knowing more about AIA, so our leadership group would divide names and follow-up with those interested.

One thing I remember most about welcome week was the value of making others feel included.  We knew that a freshman student would likely chooses his/her spiritual path within the first month on campus.  We had a short window to help those fresh faces make their faith a priority.  For many, that first month set the trajectory for their spiritual involvement for their entire college years.

This is why today is so important to those college freshman.  It's been one month on campus.  Time is up.  That first month has passed and routines are established and priorities are being revealed.  For some, their personal faith journey didn't make it high on the priority list and it's not part of their routine.  Their college years will fly by and soon they'll wake-up as graduating seniors having missed out on critical years of growing in their faith.

This blog post today is my big attempt to encourage those new college students to make their faith a priority.  Check the box that says you're interested in hearing more about Athletes In Action, FCA, Cru, Intervarsity, Navigators or the Bible Study in your dorm room.  Don't cut it out of your life because you just never got around to it that first month of your college experience.  Reply to that text message or answer the phone call or e-mail from that person who is following-up about your interest.

The path you choose leads to a destination.  Choose it wisely.