studying abroad in Oxford, england has been the biggest blessing. Oxford feels like a hideaway full of rest and inspiration. I am surrounded by history three times the age of America. fountains, lush flowers, and gardens greet me every morning along with the ringing bells of Christ Church. cows graze behind the willow trees in their pasture.

I am so lucky to be studying here in this little slice of heaven across the pond. I am convinced every person needs their own piece of Oxford to feel what rest and peace feels like here on earth. so many scholars have studied here before me. I feel like I am standing In hallway full of theological heroes and legends as I am walking the streets of Oxford. Jesus through nature and through history is inspiring me and giving me new life!

here are three lessons I have already learned so far while studying here:

1. There is beauty in the mundane and the waiting!

some of the sweetest and funniest moments I have experienced with my friends have been traveling on trains from place to place!! I have learned to not wait for the destination in order to soak in beautiful moments. there is joy in the journey!

Lamentations 3:25: The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

1. Nature is a beautiful place to sit and be with jesus.

there is nothing like sitting god’s creation marveling at everything he has done. It is so easy to be thankful and reflective while looking at nature.

Psalm 23:1-6: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

in nature, Jesus can lead you beside still waters and remind you of his peace and plan for your life.

1. Take it all in.

no matter what season of life you are in. I have to remind. myself here that I will not b there forever and that I need to take advantage of every opportunity I have here. Jesus says the same about our lives. live with urgency and be content in the moment you are in because you will never have it back! there is beauty in the now.

Isaiah 43:18-19:  Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland

I am learning not to dwell in the past of future but in the present because it is a gift from the lord.

I pray that Jesus teaches you so many things no matter where you are this summer, whether that be serving at a camp, working at an internship, traveling, or in your hometown! there are new things to be learned about Jesus and about yourself every single day, and what a beautiful time set aside like summer to really focus on that and do so!