High school and college students look forward to Spring Break after countless late nights of cramming for exams and writing papers since the semester began. Spring Break marks the halfway point to the end of the semester and is a time where students are able to forget their responsibilities and have fun. In the midst of having no responsibilities and spending good times with friends it is so easy to forget who you are. It is so easy for Christians to forget their values while everyone else seems to be having such a great time partying and drinking. Very quickly those times of fun turn into times of regret. There are a few easy ways to stick to your faith and still kick back, relax, and have fun this Spring Break.
Be yourself. Most of the people partying on Spring Break are not regular party-goers, they just think that it is the "thing-to-do" on Spring Break. Remember the person God made you to be and the passions He created inside of you. Think about the things you've been wanting to do all semester but haven't had time because of school. Go on a day trip with your friends, plan a mission trip, binge watch that Netflix show you haven't had time to watch, go for a bike ride, or explore a new area! Make memories with your best friends and use the wisdom God gave you when you are deciding whether or not a plan is a good idea.
Don't forget your normal routine. Although Spring Break is a great break from many responsibilities, it is important to stick to your routine. If you have a quiet time of devotional and prayer in the morning, keep doing that at the same time you normally would and give God your full attention. If it's not part of your normal routine, this would be a great time to start. Unless you're going out of town, try to still attend any community groups you are a part of. Those connections will last a lifetime and we shouldn't take a break from our personal growth because we're taking a break from school.
Be aware of the company you are surrounded with. On Spring Break, you may get to spend time with friends who you normally wouldn't see because of distance or schedule differences. It is important to pay attention to the influences that are around you. Jesus did not just hang around people like himself. In fact, he spent much of his time around sinners. So, this is a great time to be like Jesus and influence your friends who may not know God. While doing this, it is easy to fall into the patterns of other people or let different music or atmosphere influence you negatively. Be aware of those influences so you can be the one to influence them, not the other way around.
Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Use this time to grow spiritually. If you usually don't have the time to serve at your church, let them know that you can help out this week while you are on break. Volunteer for a local organization. Help out at the homeless shelter. Minister to your friends. If God puts something on your heart this Spring Break, go for it! It may seems like you are "working" during Spring break, but you will be spiritually refreshed by the end of the week. You will see change in yourself through helping others. Ask yourself: "What would Jesus do on Spring Break?"
So this Spring Break I challenge you to be who you were created to be and still have fun. Be an example for your peers on how you can have fun while still following Jesus.
