Balancing Time

[brightlights]

Well school started up again for me this week. I'm a sophomore theology major attending the University of Dayton, and I'm noticing that this is a very stressful time in my life. I was wondering if this is a common thing among college students. Any wisdom or insight from students or older adults would be greatly appreciated.

I look at the year ahead of me and I feel pretty overwhelmed. I'm a Young Life leader in Dayton, so I feel like I'm going to be balancing being a Christian, being a student, being a boyfriend, being a Young Life leader, being a friend, and being a son. All of these (some more than others) involve relationships, which is perhaps the most worthy endevour, but relationships = time, and it just seems overwhelming. I'm at a loss how to divide myself. I know that first and foremost I need time to spend with Jesus. Secondly, I am a student and have a responsibility to work my hardest in school. The woman that God has blessed me with, whom I love, is a priority to me, and I definately want to be able to spend quality time growing with her and getting to know her better. The Young Life ministry is a highly relational ministry, which is awesome, but that's a handful of guys and girls who I need to be pouring myself into, as well. Also, I have so many friends on campus who are valuable to me and to my walk with Christ. I want to pour into them and them into me, but that also takes time together. I also see them involved in God's work on our campus and I wish that I could join them in focusing on campus ministry, but still, more relationships. Lastly, but definately not least, I am a son, and I want to have a good relationship with my parents and family.

I look at all of this and can't help but feel overwhelmed, not knowing what's going to happen with all of this. I don't want to compartmentalize my week and compartmentalize people, making people an obligation. I want to enjoy these relationship as Jesus enjoyed his. I want to be a good boyfriend, pouring into my girlfriend and loving her with my time. I want to be a good Young Life leader, pouring into the kids and loving them. I also want to be a good friend, pouring into my friends my age. Mostly I need to seek Christ and pour into him. How can I balance all of this? Does anyone else find themselves in similar dilemas?

 

[SalvationUNLTD]

Wow you sound like you have a big burden. Though I can offer no advice, all I do is eat, pray, work, study, and sleep. lol...Yea from now on that's basically all I do and it's no fun at all, but to me it's just cool

 

[septemberskies]

I say you have to prioritize. You have to put God in the first seat and school takes second (because the ultimate goal in your life at this point is to graduate).... now everything else you have to distributed and organized around it as you see fit or deem important. It seems although you already have in mind the order of things. Just don't spread yourself thin with the gf, ministry and your family. They'll have to understand you are only one person and you have to realize that too.

If you need to take a step back being a leader or cut back on the hours you spend there in the ministry than do so.... don't bite off more than you can chew. If you can only go out every other weekend with your gf instead of every other night so you can study than be honest with her. A true lady of God would not only be understanding but supportive.

Bottomline is be honest with yourself about just how much time you have and what you can do. It's very easy to neglect your class work because of everything else. Keep a checklist (I use to do this) and stick to it. Use a planner for special events, projects and tests due dates. Pray everyday and trust in the Lord.

I've totally been there so I understand.

 

[Boss_BlueAngels]

First of all I would say not to focus on EVERYTHING that you need to do. Do something mindless for a little bet like play a computer game, watch TV, read a book... something to get your mind off of the MOUNTAIN in front of you.

Then come back and prioritize like the previous poster said.

It is extremely easy to pile things to the point you feel as though you're standing at the exact base of the mountain. What you need to do is take a step back (why I mentioned doing something "brainless" earlier) so that this mountain before you becomes much smaller in size. You get far enough away and soon you can "squash" it with your fingers!! Only from that perspective can you begin to calm down and work the puzzle and prioritize everything.

Things will work out. Just take one moment at a time. From here on out time only goes by faster!