I’ve started a graduation countdown on my phone. I am 72 days from walking in the spring graduation ceremony.

This last semester, in particular, has left me reflecting over my last four years here on the Hill. Some superficial things come to mind like, “I should have taken more time studying for that test… I bet I disappointed the professor” or “Should have probably eaten less Great American Donut Shop (GADS) and more salad.”

But, as important or unimportant as those things are, there are things that won’t fade with time like asking myself the question, “Did I live out the last four years here to glorify God and make His Name known?” Now, that is the big question I have found myself wrestling with.

The past is the past, and I cannot go back and change my actions. Yes, I know I should have said “Hi” to that girl who sits by herself every day in Downing Student Union or stopped to ask how that one person was doing and how I could be praying for them rather than avoiding eye contact and walking back. Yes, I still remember those wide, open opportunities I had to share the gospel but rather gulped back the words out of fear of rejection and straight disobedience.

Recently, I feel like the Lord has been laying on my heart that I have thrived and dived in certain ways. However, I am not called to just simply look back with wanting and regret, but rather now look forward with fresh eyes and a moved heart to see I have 72 days left on campus. Days that can be filled with getting caught up in myself and my desires or given to God with open hands and a heart that says, “Your Will, alone, be done.”

1 Peter 3:15 reads “…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” I am called to be prepared to share my faith and do it from a place of love and encouragement.

So, as these next 72 days pass by, every day I am internally dedicating it to the Lord’s guidance. Yeah, I still have exams to study for, friends I want to be intentional with and a future to plan for after graduation, but I also know 60 years from now, none of that will matter – only our relationships with our Creator and Good Father.

My encouragement to all of those graduating and even to those who still have some years left, can be found in Colossians 3:1-2, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on Earth.”

Everything will pass, but one thing will remain.