Last night I was reminded why I love working with college students so much.  I attended part of the TEC (Together Encounter Christ) retreat being offered by my diocese this weekend.  After participating in some of the festivities offered for the greater TEC community, I attended a reflection given by one of the student leaders.  I am so thankful for every moment I get to spend with these kids.

This particular reflection was given by a young woman gave a deeply personal and honest reflection on her struggles with weight and self-esteem, diagnoses of depression and eating disorders, abuse of medications and harmful behaviors.  She also spoke eloquently and with humor about her struggles to know and understand her relationship with God.

And she spoke about peace.

Peace in the acceptance of things she can’t change (echoes of the Desiderata), peace in the knowing that life is a journey of hardships, of learning and re-learning, and peace in the support of friends and family.

There is such wisdom in such a young person who is facing her battles and seeing the face of God in those around her and accepting what they can give in the knowing.  An understanding of the Christian journey and the hand of the Holy Spirit as companion.

VENI, Creator Spiritus,
mentes tuorum visita,
imple superna gratia
quae tu creasti pectora.

COME, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,
and in our souls take up Thy rest;
come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.