The Mid-Schoolyear Complacency Syndrome (MSCS)

Though it may sound fancy, complicated and dorky, I know for a fact that most of us might or are already suffering from it. Around August to Novemver, how many times have you picked up your Bible, read a few lines or so, then asked God if "pwedeng bukas nalang ituloy"? Or has it occured to you that schooldays have been so busy that you skipped going to worship just for the sake of relaxing?

And there you are the morning after, feeling all guilty about it and wished that it were summer so that you can go on a retreat and be on fire again. Or even worse--you aren't even minding it at all!

I guess the question for us is, are we going to be dependent on retreats and camps for us to be connected with God again? As I was pondering on these thoughts yesterday, I was reminded once again that what I have with God is a relationship. Relationship involves commitment, and commitment is not solely based on feelings. Let me put it this way. A married couple, for example, will still communicate with each other in spite of busy schedules. The man can't say to the woman, "I'm kind of busy right now with things, maybe I'll meet you next month and I'll be in love with you again". It won't make any sense.

Same thing goes with our relationship with God. We can't have feelings and emotions as our basis for our love. It feels good at one point or another, but for the long run, it won't take us anywhere. And when things get rough, we can't just close Him out when we're dealing with other stuff. In fact, we should always consider Him in every decision we make--whether of mundane or red-letter issues.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
-Romans 8:28

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11

Having said that, we can ask for His guidance on everything about school. From "God, should I get fried chicken and chopsuey, or tapsilog nalang?" to "Lord, are you burdening me to join this club?", He is listening. Say whatever. He listens.

This incoming schoolyear, it is a challange for everyone. I hope that we'll be as fervent when it comes to the Lord all throughout the year, and not just during summer. Let's break the vicious cycle of MSCS! Keep the fire burning for Him!