7:53 AM, and hitting the snooze had not been a dream. Dr. Lackey’s New Testament class waits for no man, so I try to appear presentable in seven minutes or less – it will be a new record for me.  Since showers are definitely postponable: brush teeth, make ponytail, grab books, and fly down the dorm steps. The clock peals its eighth toll as I slip into my seat in the back of the packed classroom. Exam day.  And I am less than prepared. Could a day begin more poorly?

Early classes, among  a myriad of other responsibilities, can be grueling to the schedule of the modern college student, and sometimes I feel like I just can’t handle it all. It’s true that college life (and life in general) has its share of hardships, but God has a way of balancing them with other blessings.

I started looking for these blessings, and I was astounded by what I discovered. Like that anonymous $1,000 donation to my school bill, that friend that has been a huge encouragement, or that class that is teaching me something about God I cannot ignore.  See, I can handle my routine, no matter how severe, because I have strength from the Lord. Obviously He is working, and I’m just not paying attention.

I could focus on how hard life can be for me, but then I remember:  I have peace with God, and that is what matters most. Psalm 29:11.