As I sit here before my computer, I am exhaustively overwhelmed by the stresses currently taking root in my life. With six finals and three group projects between me and summer, my patience and sanity are wearing thin. This attitude seems to be permeating through campus, as the library is packed full all day and students walk with hurried purpose. The stresses immediately before us appear insurmountable. During this hectic time , it is incredibly easy to put an unneccessary amount of value on grades and school. We begin to equate our self-worth with how well we do on our finals, on the numbers in our GPA. I know this tendency too well, because I am probably the greatest offender. I too often find myself focusing only on earthly goals. When I fail to achieve perfection, I am frustrated and lost. And even when I get what I desire, be it a great grade or GAP, I am still left feeling unfulfilled. For so long in my life, I had no idea why this was. Why, after achieving my goal, was I still unhappy? And then I discovered something: I would never be satisfied with reaching earthly goals when I was made for a heavenly purpose.

Now, let me add a disclaimer before I go on: This is in no way saying that goals are not fundamental and wonderful. Earthly successes are meant to be celebrated. There exists, however, an even greater purpose for member of the human race.

That purpose is to strive towards God, to live His message through the gift of your life. Working towards this beautifully, breathtaking goal brings you closer to God. The cultivation of that relationship, then, makes all of life's stresses seem manageable. Because the truth of the matter is that nothing is impossible with God.

Personally, I know that whenever I have asked God to help me, he has responded in limitless ways. And through Him, we can see that all the stresses of our lives have meaning. God puts nothing before us that we cannot handle. He walks the path of life with us, celebrating our victories and picking us up when we fall.

We were each made to achieve the greater purpose of God. Simply put, we were made for something MORE. And working towards that purpose brings infinite joy.

So I implore you this finals season, and for the rest of your life, to strive for this greater purpose. When you do, you will find that everything else will fall into place. And you will also find that you have the best life companion: God.

It might be best summarized in 2 Corinthians 4:18:

"So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

The promises of heaven and the purposes of God are eternal, greater, and completely and totally fulfilling. I can't possibly think of something better to strive for.