Open When...

    "I'm writing him a bunch of those "Open When" letters," a girlfriend said over FaceTime as she continued to look down at the table to write. We all gushed over how cute that idea was, some also voicing their wish to have a special someone that they could write too.

    "I just wish I had someone who could write me letters like that. For those times I really need encouragement or advice, it would be really nice to have them," I thought to myself, sighing. The thought stayed on my mind all night. I was reading a passage in the Bible and wishing there was a way that God could give me some "Open When" letters as I headed off to college. And then I stopped. I was literally holding a book full of "Open Whens".

   So I made a list of times that I know in the future I will need some encouragement or some advice from God. "Open When You Feel Homesick", "Open When You Get Your Heartbroken", "Open When You're Mad at a Friend"... even "Open When Life is Going Good". I found verses that went along with each of these situations, so in that moment I can easily flip to it and quickly be given advice or encouragement.

    I know it's a little cheesy, but making some "Open Whens" from God can help guide you through life, especially college. Since I usually am not prone to turn straight to God when times get tough or a trial arises this list can help me to always run straight to Him. So print it out and hang it up in your dorm or screenshot it and keep it in your phone, just for whenever your needing a quick word from God.

- Rachel