Sickly Blessed

So yesterday classes were canceled because of an ice storm that came in the other night, and today classes were canceled again because of all the snow we got yesterday. I'm pretty thankful 1) because I didn't have to take a test yesterday at 7am, 2) I got sick yesterday and am still a little under the weather today (and I was supposed to have six classes today!). The only bum part is that the entire campus, other than the Student Center and the Caf, is closed, meaning I can't put in practice hours for voice or piano.

Anywho, yesterday I was sweetly reminded of the kindness and generosity of the students here at OCC. I only have a cold, but I was feeling pretty darn crummy yesterday. People obviously took notice that I wasn't myself because I am generally a loud and energy-filled person. This was not the case yesterday. But instead of the typical, "Are you sick? Hope you feel better" and then just walk away vibe, I was greeted with "Jordan, are you feeling alright? What is it that you have? And is there anything I can do to help? I have medicine!" And this wasn't just coming from my close friends. Nearly every other person around me was showing complete sincere concern. The girls on my floor offered me airborne, tea, sudafed, nightquil. Another girl in our dorm lent me some honey for my tea. Even the guys were showing concern! One of my friends, Jim Landis, would frequently call or text me just to check up on me and to see how I was feeling.

Seriously, the people here take the time and effort to get to know each other, to invest in each others lives. The people here really do care from the core. And I am so blessed by it. Back at home I didn't have true relationships. Not even one person that I could run to and spill everything without the fear of being judged or rejected (except for my parents and youth leaders). Not one person among my peers...until I came here. And now I have so much love around me, that I don't even know what to do with it!

My point in all of this to say...love people. Show concern. Invest in each other. You truly don't know what a blessing you could be. I can't tell you how good I feel, despite this blasted cold. Every heard the phrase, "Never frown because you never know you may be falling in love with you smile"? Well my version of that for this scenario, "Never stop caring because you never know whose life you could be touching." If you're going to ask someone how they're feeling, dont just respond to their answer with "well, I hope you feel better", or, "I hope things work out for you." NO! Dont pretend to care because doing that is being transparent. People will see right through you. If you really care...prove it.