by Sasha Hettich

When was the last time you told a friend or loved one you loved and appreciated him/her?

I am not talking about the brief “How’s it going?” as you pass them on your way to your next class or the “What’s up?” as you meander to lunch. I’m talking about genuinely, sincerely looking the person in the eyes and saying “Thank you for always being there” or “I think you’re really great.”

When was the last time you wrote a letter of encouragement, (I’m talking snail mail here) lifting someone up, and telling her how much she means to you?

I’m not suggesting that “snail mail” is the only genuine means of encouragement or affirmation, though this is one way to put a smile on someone’s face. I am talking about going out of your way to show appreciation for someone, whatever that may mean in your case.

We are all so busy, especially as students. Not only are we trying to juggle our already homework-packed academic lives, but we have dorm activities, part-time (and full-time)jobs, church, volunteer work, and the list goes on, seemingly forever. Yet putting these things aside, it is important to realize what matters most in this life.

You have heard the expression “It is the simple things in life which matter most”, and in many ways, I think this is true. It is important to consider what would matter to you if all else was stripped away.

I once read an autobiography that made me think about being thankful for what truly matters. It is called “Tortured For His Faith”, written by Haralan Popov, a Christian who underwent tremendous oppression by the Bulgarian government under communist rule.

Popov was arrested under false charges of espionage and proceeded to spend thirteen years in prison, continuously tortured and nearly killed during his years there. He was tortured in unfathomable ways, once being forced to keep his eyes open for hours at a time and also being forced to stand up for two weeks straight.

There was one night during his thirteen years of imprisonment and torture that he was able to spend a night with his wife, whom he hadn’t seen for several years. For one night, he was free, and during this night, nothing else mattered but the one he loved and the God he served. Can you imagine knowing nothing else except that which matters most?

I know most of us cannot relate to being tortured for Christ or even being under communist rule. But the question is still relevant to us as Americans and as Christians in this world: do we take the time to focus on what matters most? Or do we focus on things that aren’t going to last in the broad scheme of life?

No, this is not an excuse to put off homework for the sake of pursuing your social life because this is the only thing that matters. What I am challenging, though, is to notice what you might be taking for granted. Evaluate what you truly cherish and if this is what you should be investing in more than anything else.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)