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Reflection: |
Sitting
at my desk in my college dorm room, I crossed
off another day on my calendar with a big,
deliberate X. This purposeful act marked my
accomplishment of making it through one more
day. I was counting down the days until...until
what? Thanksgiving vacation? Christmas break?
Magically being grown-up, independent, and
finding my way in life?
I was a homesick freshman at South Dakota
State University. I had grown up in a loving and
supportive family, and now it was time to move
on, and time to take a greater step out into the
uncertain world. I knew it would get easier, but
it was hard to patiently travel towards the
unknown, even with a steadying belief in God.
Clinging to faith and a postcard inviting me
to an ice cream social at the University
Lutheran Center, I made it through my first
weeks of college. At the University Lutheran
Center, I was welcomed into a supportive faith
community. I heard God's word. I received the
Eucharist. I gained friendships, fellowship,
encouragement, and a sense of belonging. I
learned about being the church—the body of
Christ in the world. God set me on solid ground.
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