As the grey skies of February drag into March, classes grow busier, days grow even rainier, and years appear to stretch between today and spring break. During this time of year, one can easily feel overwhelmed by lethargy and anxiety—after all, who doesn’t feel like just going back to bed some days?—but for many students, these feelings can become so all-encompassing that they evolve into a different beast; depression. Depression can creep upon a person so quietly, he or she does not notice it until it becomes unwieldy. One feeling depressed typically feels alone, and may push others away; even the Lord. However, even when we turn our backs to the Lord, he reaches out to us. He longs for our joy. He is not some distant entity who sees but cannot sympathize—He understands pain not only because of the sacrifice He made on the cross, but the crosses we carry each day. He weeps with us.
Personally, I take great comfort in reflecting upon God’s promise of peace, from John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” There is no pain in this world that Christ has not felt and defeated, and He readily gives us the strength to do the same. No feeling can overcome the peace that will come from resting in the arms of our Father in heaven.
This Lent, we as a community should work to offer our suffering up to the Lord, and always to keep in mind the image of Him, walking beside us, lightening the weight of our crosses.
Cailin Class of '16
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