Finals are over with. Graduations have passed. Now we're on to summer break. For most people, it's a time away from the responsibilities of school. The primary aim is rest and fun and those are both great things to do. If you never take time to rest or take time for fun, you can easily burn out and become ineffective in every part of life. Of course, indulging completely is probably even more destructive. We're warned about self-focus and living only for consumption in the Bible and research only lends its support... So, avoid the extremes, right? Find a balance and you're good... Or is there something more to strive for?

In Ephesians 5, Paul writes to encourage us to be wise and make the most of every opportunity. When you think about that, it's a pretty daunting challenge. The MOST of EVERY opportunity...? I think the first challenge is just recognizing opportunity. How often do you look back and realize you completely failed to recognize an opportunity that was right in front of you? Beyond that, I think the more tired or busy you are the easier it is to simply not want to be bothered by opportunities or anything else. (In response to that I'll point out that you already find ways to make time for what you value most.) Finally, though, there's that word "most." How do you determine the most good you could do or the most helpful thing you could say? That part gets really hard to figure out, which is why I think the living wise part comes before all this. In Proverbs, it's pretty clear that wisdom is from God and James writes that if you lack wisdom, you should ask God.

Of course, Paul makes this statement in the context of living a pure and holy life. I think it's fascinating how purity, wisdom and maximum effectiveness are all tied together in this short passage. The more I think about it, the more I see the connection.

Finishing strong is something we hear about often in Chi Alpha as a quarter or school year comes to a close. If you watched the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, you probably understand this concept well. Usain Bolt won the 100m easily and set a new world record. But, he started celebrating before he crossed the finish line and thus slowed down before he finished. While we celebrated his tremendous accomplishment, there was a lingering question that remained... "What if he had run all the way through the finish line and celebrated afterward?"

Life isn't about doing well for a while. You've worked hard all year, but keep sprinting all the way through your last final exam or you'll probably look back with some regret thinking, "what if..." UCLA has some of the greatest students in the world, so maybe with easing up a little you'll still get an A and no one will know any better. The bigger perspective, though, is that you will know. True excellence is choosing to do your best even when you can coast and take it easy.

Unfortunately, no matter how many great decisions you make, it's that one bad decision that people will remember. As school ends and you head into the summer, keep making great decisions - in your classes, your job, how you spend your time, and most importantly, how sincerely you pursue the things of God.

Jesus is the ultimate example of finishing strong. He had done all things well, fully knew the suffering he would endure, and yet still willingly went to the cross. He gave everything for you. Honor him with all you have - both now and always. There is no summer break from a relationship with Jesus.