I hope you’ll forgive me for being a couple days late to the party. The story that follows is my contribution to the blog carnival at my darling friend, Bridget Chumbley’s site. We have a one-word topic and the one word this time is “Fellowship.” When you get done with my post, please make sure to go by and visit the others at her place. Enjoy!
It was my sophomore year of college. Or perhaps my junior year. And it was about this time of year. Early December. The night before exams began.
My roommate, Casey and I had been sequestered in our room for the better part of twenty-four hours, studying like mad. But now it was coming up to 10 PM and that meant that we could take a much-needed study break to trudge across campus to the dining hall for the event known as Exam Breakfast. Our professors would be serving us this middle-of-the-night feast before commencing the next day’s exam torture.
Casey wanted to be first in line to see Dr. Dyke in a plastic apron and hair net, serving scrambled eggs. And as we headed out the front door of Weaver Hall, bundled up in coats and pajamas, we saw that a rare early-December snow had frosted the tops of the cars and the shrubs.
It was beautiful and a bit magical—this brief, chilly respite from this tension. And when we arrived at the cafeteria, we were thrilled to see that we were among the first in line. We took our places in the tiny stairwell-lobby just outside the locked cafeteria door. And we waited.
And waited.
And waited.
The lobby and the stairwell filled with other worn-out college students, hiding from the cold. We were like sardines, but we didn’t care. The outer door kept opening and people kept cramming inside.
Then, about halfway up the stairs, someone began to sing. And then we all began to sing. Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer and The Twelve Days of Christmas and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. And we laughed together just as the door opened and let us all in for the feast.
Sometimes, we find ourselves stuck in bad situations. But when we’re all together there, there’s a bond created. There is fellowship. It gives us hope and allows us to sing. Even when we least expect it.
About Sarah Salter
Nice. Nothing like spontaneous song to change some moods and create a sense of fellowship.
Dusty, this morning, I’m reminded of this scripture from Ephesians 5:
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Those are incredible moments. Love that feeling and this story! Thanks Sarah.
Thanks, Jason. As soon as I heard the topic was fellowship, I knew I had to write this. 🙂
The night before exams held trepidations but no regret as your classmates enjoyed sweet fellowship prior to the feast prepared for you by your professors. Great Story and your additional comments about Christians being able to share in song and WORD was a blessing to me.
Thank you, Hazel! That scripture was exactly what I needed today, too!