Something I miss about college life:
The diversity of reading that you do from the Bible.
It always seemed that through classes, chapel, papers and random conversations (and friendly discussions) around the table some new connection would pop up that you had never noticed before. The class on Ephesians would be covering the same topic you were seeing all over the place in the minor prophets. Or, some random passage a chapel speaker referenced would shed new light on a "friendly discussion" you were having with a friend.
These intersections seemed to happen all the time, and were always a great blessing. For after all, we serve an all-knowing God whose Word is connected, coherent, and moving toward an ultimate goal - the glory of God.
After leaving the college bubble, I was disappointed to find out that suddenly I was no longer studying various and diverse places in the Bible at once. My exposure was much more limited. I began to forget things that used to be very familiar to me. I began to miss the less-frequented places of the Bible (like the minor prophets) and the vital connection they had to the rest of the Bible. About a month ago, I was challenged at our Ladies' Retreat to rectify this situation. So, I decided to endeavor to read through the Bible in 6 months. Not in place of my regular devotions, but in addition to them. The 1 year idea always felt too . . . Long. This would take me through fast enough to make the connections I wanted to be able to see, but not so fast that I couldn't let it sink in.
It has been fantastic!
I just want to share a few highlights: :-)
- I am reading with a chronological guide, which has been really interesting.
- Reading that much at one time has really put some stuff in perspective.
- It has taken work to cut out the additional time needed to sit down and read - but it has been totally worth it!
- I have never felt bogged down (Leviticus . . . *Ahem*) because I move through it so fast.
- I have the chronological guide on my iPad (which is with me almost perpetually) so I can pick it up and read whenever I have one of those random minutes of down time.
- Its a much shorter goal commitment than a whole year.
- I have been able to revisit my Old Testament themes and characters.
- Reading that much at once makes you feel like you are making serious progress.
- I am reading a much more diverse selection of scripture.
- God has used it to help me make connections in my SS class and conversations that I otherwise would not have even thought of.
- Other people are doing the same thing with me, so there is peer support AND discussion.
In conclusion: This may not work for everyone, but it has really been a blessing to me!
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