Senior-itus

Senior-itus: that debilitating syndrome that strikes high school and college seniors during their final year of school. You have certainly either witnessed it or experienced it in your lifetime. During my own senior year of high school, my very astute government teacher shared his observation regarding the senior’s participation in the “class yell” portion of the pep-rallies. He suggested a more realistic pep-rally cry in lieu of the traditional one, and offered, “A-P-A, T-H-Y, that’s our senior battl… (sighhhhh).” He knew the struggle of senior-itus and gave us the opportunity to recognize it enough to push through the rest of the year.

But senior-itus doesn’t just affect students. There are other strains with similar symptoms which originate outside of the realm of school. These symptoms appear about this time of year as a type of office doldrums precariously set between the memory of Christmas vacations and the hope of summer vacations. The church, full of people with these symptoms, is affected by that same struggle of being faithful, despite the times we feel tired or worn out. But if we recognize the struggle, then overcoming becomes possible.

Hebrews 12:1-3 serves as a rally cry for me, almost as a spiritual pep-rally to encourage this “team” of Christians to keep moving forward with Christ.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

The Message ends this section saying, “That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” When I picture that great cloud of witnesses cheering me on, I remember that others struggled like I do, needing encouragement to even ask Jesus for help. That lifts me up to refocus my eyes on Jesus, whose power enables me to not just walk, but run with perseverance. Whatever is happening in your life- great changes, or even yearning for changes- seek God first and allow Him to pull you through. And He will… every single time.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. (2nd Thess 3:5 NIV )