Campus Ministry
Do You Even Have Time to Read This?
By Joe Oliveri, GA
Seriously, do you? I mean, think of all the time you spend in class, studying, participating in clubs, hanging out with friends, scrolling through social media, eating, sleeping . . . what time does that leave for anything else? Is there even time to pray, to find time with God?
I get it. We are always busy. We live in a world that forces us to constantly squeeze more into our jam-packed day. But notice the hours in the day stay the same. In whatever struggle with time we have, our relationship with God should not be sacrificed. Spiritual writer St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) once said, “Half an hour of prayer each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed.”
Sounds insane, right? Why take more time away from our busy day when there is more to do? The key is to understand that prayer is essential. For me, it brings balance to my life. It’s not just time to talk to God, but it’s the time I give back to God, allowing God to speak to me in the depths of my heart and soul. You can read Scripture, sit in silence, or simply thank God for all you have that day. Take small steps. Start with 5 minutes after class or right when you wake up. Spontaneously stop into the chapel if you are walking by.
Remember: any time spent with God is time well spent. Now hurry up! You’re probably late for something.