Subscribe to the NetworkIdeas for the holidays
I was thinking the other day about how many students “come home” for the holidays. I was thinking about how weird it is for many of them. When they left for school, they were leaving home. Now, when they come home they are leaving their new life. This can leave people feeling a bit awkward, especially when/if they go to church.
Those that grew up in church come back to church that, well, seems like taking a step backward in life. At school they’re moving forward in life – even if they don’t know what “they’re going to do.” Regardless of that they have a new life, new friends, new identity. They come to church, can enjoy seeing people they know, but ultimately they want to go back to their life (with exception of the freshman dealing with homesickness). For most, if they were to stay at home it would simply mean taking a step backward in life.
So, is this a bad thing? Can, or should, we try to change that?
I would answer both questions negatively. This, in many ways, is a crucial time in the identity formation of an individual. This separation and distance they feel, although frustrating and painful in ways (for both parents and kids), can really help catapult students into continuing to pursue their personal identity.
But, it doesn’t mean we can’t try to make their trip home meaningful. And it certainly doesn’t mean we can’t seek to have it be more enjoyable for them by being served in some way and connected in some fashion. We can always do an event or dinner for them, but they have things like this at school So, there are a couple thoughts I’ll throw out that might be unique for them and leave a different taste in their mouth after coming home for the holidays…
Some college students are privileged to have their parents pay for upkeep on their car, but many are left without the finances to do little things like tune-ups and oil changes. Maybe you’d be willing to invest $100 or so, buy oil, filters, and possibly some spark plugs and offer oil changes for students when they come home…? Maybe even rotate their tires. You can find a mechanic, or just a couple of older mature believers in your church that would be willing to serve the students!
Most students could use a few extra bucks when they go back to school. Look for people in your church that could use some part-time employees. Spend some time asking around, and then let your students know about the potential while they’re home. Or, maybe your church could use some extra help in some way on a short-term basis? Warning: if you have a cranky church secretary that they would be working with in some capacity, negate that last idea – I’m serious! Personally I wouldn’t advertise these opportunities until you actually have some potential short-term jobs lined up, but it could be a great way to help your students.
Anyway, just a couple of ideas for you. I think the oil change tune up idea could be huge!
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