Regardless, my reason for coming into town was two-fold. First, I had to turn in the keys to my apartment in the Tower at Third. It was kind of weird saying goodbye to the place I called home for the past two years, but again, it made me that much more eager to move into my new place, a few blocks further away from campus.
The other reason for me to be in town was for the final K-Mass of the summer. I can honestly say that I wasn't all that excited to attend, especially since I didn't think that many people would actually show. I was pleasantly surprised, though, and as always, I walked away thanking God for the opportunity to celebrate in such a wonderful sacrament with friends.
In the tiny convent chapel across the street from the Newman center, I found what I haven't had all summer. I found a tiny, but nonetheless substantial, group of incredibly faithful people who share the fire that I have for Christ. It's really incredible; I hadn't realized that I've even missed it that much, considering the WONDERFUL time that I had this summer spreading the Word. But I missed it, even when I didn't realize it.
And that's when I realized how blessed I am. Newman, despite its obvious flaws and occasional downfalls, is an incredible community. I thank God everyday for the faith that I've found in the middle of one of the larger secular universities in this country. It's truly incredible to look back on the past few years and remember the people that I've met, the places Newman has taken me, and the 'spiritual slams' that I've encountered because of the community there.
As Monsignor preached about faith, I realized how much my faith had grown because of Newman and the Koinonia community. I most definitely wouldn't be where I am today without them. It would be easy for me to be sad about having to leave such a wonderful place in a few short months (and believe me, that will happen), but I'm encouraged by the fact that I believe God is calling me to take that sense of community with me--to places that might otherwise not know how great it is to have a spiritual support-group, if you will.
Another pleasant surprise: I got to have dinner with a great friend while I was in town. The conversation began, as all do at this time of year, with a simple discussion of our summers. But we ended up talking about friends, how relationships change over time, and learning to let go. How appropriate as I go into my final year of college.
As I mature, be it spiritually or otherwise, I'm finding that I'm able to cope more with my almost-desperate need to stay connected with old friends. Luckily, we live in an age where reaching people is as easy as logging onto Facebook or shooting off a text. Regardless, I can see myself gradually letting go of former relationships. People change and so must relationships. But I have faith that God will keep me close to whomever He sees fit. If anything, I'll have one hell of a network of acquaintances. :c)
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