Thank you, Mom.

Posted on April 19, 2014 by sammweber

In exactly four weeks, I will be a college graduate. When I look back over the past four years, it’s incredible to see how much I have changed emotionally, athletically, academically, professionally, socially, and spiritually. This year alone has been full of change. I have had so many ups and downs, great moments of success and terrible times of loss and despair. I’ve learned a lot during my time at Grove City, but the greatest take away from my college experience has been that I have truly made my Christian faith my own. Not everything about Grove City was awesome, but the people God placed in my life and the spiritual mentors who helped guide me through this transitional time helped me see God in everything.

However, none of these people even compare to the impact my mom has made in my life. Below is a letter my mom wrote to me when I began my freshman year (and I would recommend all mothers share this with their children before they go to college!). Her wisdom is unmatched and her love unconditional. To my mom, thank you for everything you do for me and I hope I made you proud these past four years.

Written Summer 2010:

Even with your attractive schedule, life in college will be busy, and the stress of studies and your drive to reach the heights in all your endeavors will consume most of your time, but all of these things are still minor in comparison with becoming a student of God and knowing Him. Every day has 24 hours, obviously, if you could give 1% of your time to God, that would be 24 minutes; or if you gave .5% of your day, it would be 12 minutes. Just think on this. When I think of this, what comes to mind is that we are in charge of how we spend out time and we need to do that. I need to do that. How many mornings do I lose time, sometimes a considerable amount of time, because I get sidetracked by something online! And then I’m off to a bad start, having already gotten behind in my own *list* of what I believe is important for me to accomplish on a particular day. This is why I try to start with God so He doesn’t get shoved out.

So, tip#1 – Put God first in your life and in your day, every day, so that this becomes a habit. God wills peak to you through his Word and direct you. Because he is omniscient and loves and cares for you, checking in with Him is always a great idea.

Tip #2 – journal. When you *hear* from God, write it down. It’s definitely a “Weber thing.” As an English major, you may find having these thoughts written down to be very useful. And journal your college experience too.

Tip #3 – “Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord.” This was a verse I used to say over and over again to Zach and Alexa when they were young.

Tip #4 – Give all glory to God! We love praise and to walk in the limelight, but we are called to be “stars” in this regard: A star reflects the light of the Sun (or Son).

Tip #5 – Always, always - expect good things from God. He promises “All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his Word.” My understanding is that God has His Story and all good stories have that rising and falling action. The downs are as necessary as the ups for a good story; therefore, do not despair when the downs come because it’s all leading to the happiest endings!

Last, remember the 3 C’s:

CONSIDER the choice

COMPARE it to God

COMMIT to God’s way

COUNT on God’s protection and provision

Know that you will always be in my prayers and not just at a certain, like when I do my devotions in the morning, but always, throughout my day. However, while I do this imperfectly, God is always watching over you!

I thank God for allowing me to be your mother. You have truly been my joy and I look forward to sharing our futures wherever the twists and turns of life take us! Have a wonderful, wonderful college experience, soak up everything that comes your way (with discernment)!

-Love Mom