April 27: Reflection on Purpose in Life

            We are seemingly always in search of our “one true purpose” in life. But we acknowledge that God created each human life with infinite complexity and we are not meant for just one narrow purpose. So we pray we find meaning in many different aspects of our lives. May we find fulfillment in serving others and in worshipping God. May our lives have meaning through the love we have for our friends and family. Whatever we do with our time and our efforts, may we remember to stop and reflect on how these actions give meaning to our lives and our missions in God.

Photo by author, taken in Sabino Canyon, Arizona.

April 25: Reflection on Gifts God Has Given

            May we pause to reflect on all the gifts God has given, the gifts we often overlook in our pursuit of better lives. As we constantly attempt to improve ourselves, let us not forget the talents and strengths with which God has blessed us. May we also reflect on all the wonderful people God has brought into our lives, from those who play the most minor roles to those who have changed our lives permanently. We acknowledge that these are not presents we have earned, but gifts God has freely given out of infinite love. May our reflections make us more grateful and more content with the life God has granted us today.

Photo by author

April 21: Reflection on One’s Shortcomings

            Reflecting on our shortcomings can easily become dismal and unproductive. So we ask God to give us the maturity and introspection we need to wholeheartedly examine our limitations. May we discover the flaws that we can work on and have the motivation to improve ourselves. May we accept the limitation that we cannot affect and place our trust in God and our community to help us in times of weakness. We pray that our reflections allow us to accept our humanity and, without causing stress or undue pressure, allow us to better ourselves.

Photo by author, taken at the San Xavier Mission in Tucson, Arizona.

April 19: Contemplation of Relationship with God

            We often take our relationship with God for granted, worshiping and believing without examining how or why. So we pause now to reflect on our faith relationship. May we discover all the joys our faith brings into our lives. May we uncover areas of doubt or disconnection and learn to accept these aspects while working towards improvement. We give thanks to God for our relationship and the love and security it brings to us. May our contemplation serve to strengthen our faith through a more thoughtful, intentional relationship with God.

Photo by author

Reflection: April 17 through May 28

Introduction

            We leap so quickly from project to project that we forget to settle down for reflection. So, as we reach the end of the academic year, we pause to look back on God’s presence in our lives. We meditate on the gifts God has delivered into our lives and on the strengths God has given to others. We examine our shortcomings as members of God’s community and look forward to improvement in the future. In reflection, we will uncover the aspects of our faith that are so often hidden under the stresses of our lives.

            Reflection should not be an act of over-analysis or anxious thinking. We intend to make these devotions a celebration, rooted in thankfulness for all God has given us in the past. We will recognize the gifts of our community and all who have helped us during this academic year. We hope this reflection will make us more appreciative and intentional people as we look forward to the future.

            May our recognition of the joys and accomplishments of this year give us hope for the possibilities God holds for us in the years to come.

As we look forward to Summer and look back on this school year, please enjoy this collection of photos of Gustavus's beautiful campus and reflect on your own experiences in whatever communities you may inhabit.