Let me first say I don’t really like beginnings or endings-
books, classes, trips, summers, snacks, projects, and the list could go on. For
me, I much prefer the middle, and I think it has something to do with the
challenge that accompanies it. The challenge not to give up, to stay
enthusiastic, to be present, and to know that the middle counts. In fact, back
in high school a priest convinced me that it counts the most. During one of his
homilies he said, “fidelity is won in the middle,” and that phrase is something
that has stuck with me. Because after the initial excitement has worn off but
much before the accomplishment of the end, there is the middle. In reflecting
on this over the past few years of college, I have learned that this middle can
mean monotony, repetition, and drudgery. However, it can also mean creativity,
mindfulness, and loyalty.
Up until
this point I have been speaking in mostly abstract terms, but let’s talk how
this can make sense right now. We are all in the middle of the academic year.
It’s halfway done and there’s halfway to go, which deems right now the perfect
time to reflect. There is a lot to consider, including academics, work,
extra-curriculars, relationships, self-care, and of course, faith. How are all
of these areas? What is keeping us from
committing ourselves more deeply? Are we content with the way things are, and
if we are not, are we willing to make changes? These are questions I find
useful at times such as this.
Especially
important to consider is faith life. For me, I see my faith in the middle as an
opportunity to experience a new level of awareness and gratitude. Each 9pm Mass
at College Church, every time I meet with my Christian Life Community, and all
of those Upper Room Monday nights are chances to recognize not only the
sacredness of tradition, but also the nuances of the Spirit. I keep going back
because I have found that God meets us in the middle in a more subtle way. We
are asked to look beyond what we think we know in order to experience God in
all the ways She offers. So, before running off to the next class, meeting, or
coffee date take a minute to reflect on the first half of this school year and
remember God’s presence right here in the middle..jpg)
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