School just around the corner

The summer has flown by and soon it will be time to get back into "school mode." There are books to buy, rooms to organize and friends to catch up with after time apart. Inevitably, we will all experience syallbus shock and wonder how in the world we will be able to stay on top of things and not go crazy before midterms. Most of us are going to be doing the balancing act of school, work, time with friends, ministry opportunities, and times when we can get away from it all and simply be.
Too often, I am guilty of not simply being still and listening for awhile to what God might be trying to say. I say I don't have the time, but when solitude and time with God in His Word is constantly shoved aside, I miss out on sweet times of fellowship with my Creator. Even Jesus himself went away to pray and be still before the Father. He understood the importance of rest and times away to recharge and be renewed. How much more do we need to rest?
I focus so much of my energy and time on making the "perfect" grade that I fail sometimes to devote that same energy and time to what matters most. It's perfectly well and fine to strive after doing well academically, but when I neglect other people and most especially when I neglect the most important relationship of all, my relationship with Christ- I burn out and lose opportunity to serve others and my perspective becomes clouded.
I guess I write these somewhat random thoughts to remind myself and anyone else to not lose sight of Jesus in the midst of the busyness and business of life. When I don't take the time to pray and study God's Word and allow Him to speak to me, I become very self-centered and only become concerned with what benefits me. This life isn't about me; it's about bringing glory to God in all that I do.
Just a few thoughts to ponder as we head into a busy fall.