A Fresh Perspective on Finals

Hey guys!! It's been a longgg time. Bailee and I have taken an intentional sabbath from blogging, but today, I wanted to pop in with some encouragement for us college kids who are headed into finals. I think most of us have fantasized about our future families. This is such a gift that I thank God for, and it can be a super helpful tool to help you shift your focus to a more long-term perspective if you're sort of freaking out about your current circumstances. Today, I write to you while in I'm in the thick of projects, assignments, deadlines, and exams, and it's not even finals week yet. However, as I have sought the Lord in my stress and anxiety, He's been faithful to comfort me, as any good Father would do for his daughter. This got me thinking- one day, God-willing, I'll have a child of my own, and I would imagine that they would attend college one day. (Maybe they'll even be an Aggie hehe WHOOP!). One of my prime motivators for attending college is to provide for myself and the family God will hopefully bless me with one day.

I hope to be able to take my kids through the A&M campus and bore them with all the silly situations their Aunt Bailee and I got ourselves into LOL. On a deeper level, I also want to be able to encourage them when times get tough. One day, when they are drowning in homework and exams, I want to be able to give them advice from a place of experience, because I, too, have walked through the fiery furnace that is obtaining an education. This is much like what Jesus did for us. He came down to Earth as a man, so He would be able to empathize with us. Hebrews 4:15 says,

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."

All this being said, when my future daughter comes to me, crying and overwhelmed by the pressure of her professors, her peers, and her own perfectionism, this is what I will tell her:

1. I’ve been there & I understand. As you step into finals season, you're in a vulnerable space. You’ll be faced with the temptation to feel discouraged, to feel unworthy, to feel out of control, to feel like you are no match for the giant in front of you. Just by being aware of this, you’ve already won half the battle.

2. It’s not all or nothing. Just because you didn't prepare perfectly doesn’t mean you’re bound to fail. Showcase what you know. Use the beautiful brain God has given you, and understand that no matter how much you desire perfection, it simply isn’t attainable. Excellence, on the other hand, is attainable. And with God's help, you can accomplish anything. Maybe not the first time around, but eventually, you will find yourself flourishing in the places you once floundered.

3. You have so many people in your corner. The people who matter most love you because of the energy you bring to the room- not the grades on your transcript. They love hearing about the books you're reading, the songs you're listening to, the dreams you have, and the silly stories you’ve collected over the semester. Keep this in mind. No matter what, the days will pass, and soon, you’ll be in the place you’ve always dreamed of.

4. Never be afraid of failure, and never feel intimidated by others. Being around others who are “better” than you is a blessing. Likewise, failing is simply evidence that you are trying. “Remember that the minute you take your first step into the life of your dreams, the first to greet you there will be fear. Nod. Keep walking.”- Brianna West

5. Be proud of yourself for any and all efforts you put towards your education this week. It's not easy. You're not going to wake up feeling 100% most days. Give what you can, where you can. I’m not here to say that finals and grades don’t matter; they do. But I’ve found if you don’t have an eternal perspective on things, you’ll be so weighed down by pressure that you can’t perform to the best of your ability. Finals, grades, and classes matter because they are the assignment God has currently given you. But unlike your professors and your employers, God cares less about the letter grade you recieve and more about how you approach the process. Doing your very best & trusting Him with the rest seems to be the best method I’ve found. Allow this week to remind you of the stark contrast between success in the world and success in God’s kingdom. Finals week and life in general is hard because there’s sin in the world. God told you it would be this way. Keep this in mind as you finish this semester strong with the Lord by your side.

6. Pray B O L D prayers, and declare victory over your circumstance. Yes, your friends and parents can do this for you, but it's even more powerful when you can believe God's word for yourself. Declare victory over anxiety, depression, negative thinking, disordered thoughts, etc. After all, you're fighting FROM a place of victory, not FOR victory. As Jesus was nailed to the cross, it was you who kept Him there. He died and rose again so that you could experience victory in EVERY area of your life, even academics. God is a God of the impossible, and He turns everything meant for evil into good. Hebrews 4:16 says,

"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

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Hopefully this provided you with some encouragement as we step into a season of immense pressure. You know what they say: no pressure, no diamonds :) 💎 ✨

Love,

Breanna <3