My beloved RTS Charlotte family in Christ,
We all know that we can waste moments of time and not appreciate them and then regret it later. We can do that as couples in our marriage as we go rushing through the early years of struggle and not appreciating the time we tackled challenges together. We can do that as parents when we rush through long nights, not relishing the quiet moments of rocking our child as we look deeply into her eyes and see the wonder of new life. We can do that as seminary students, and as faculty and staff, by rushing from one semester to another and not taking time to reflect and remember the good things, and even the hard things of the semester we have just completed.
As you finish up your studies for this fall semester, and as you prepare for your break soon to come, I ask the Lord to bless you with the reality and the power and presence of the living Christ. I ask that this break would be a time of ministry to you as you rest from your studies, retreat to your family and friends, your hearth and home. Use this as a time, like our Savior, for prayer. Don’t waste your break! Use it to strengthen relationships, reflect on the journey you have taken this fall semester in your classes, do theological reflection on how this semester will be used of the Lord to help you in what God is calling you to do for the Kingdom, and find recreation with God’s creation all around you.
I pray that your Advent season may be a time of rejoicing not only in His first coming or even in anticipation of His glorious second coming, but also in His coming to you now. What a beautiful time, the time of His appearance to you in your very soul as you pray and meditate on His Word and His Person. Don’t waste your break. Welcome it as a time of renewal in the Lord.
Hear the Word of the Lord:
And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat (Mark 6:31 ESV).
Take time. Reflect. Remember. Renew. Don’t waste your break. And may the Lord bless you.
Yours Faithfully,
Mike Milton