I suppose that sounds like an odd question for a college kid to ask. After all that is what college is for, right? To teach us how to think. Nonetheless, I often wonder and here is why. As many of you may know, I am a total thinker. I think about the past. The present. The future. Sometimes I even ask myself, “Bryce, could it be that you think way too much?”
Of course, in a way I can’t help it. My heavy thinking goes hand in hand with my analytical side as well. At times I am very thankful for my analytical side, as it allows for very good conversation. It allows for conversation to dig deeper than just surface level. It puts forth an avenue of complete honesty where thoughts can be challenged and friendships can grow deeper.
This happens for me with my good friend, Cody Martinez, who has been instrumental in this area of my life. He has shared ideas, pushed me in conversation, pushed me in friendships, and most importantly, he has pushed me in my faith. He has the word “genuine” written all over him and that is something that I value very highly. It’s an effort that goes above and beyond and it’s noticeable. Especially noticeable is that he is a senior who is three years older than I am. He has been around longer, he is more mature than I, and he has a schedule that is overflowing with different activities and events. Why is he investing in my life? That is a question that I ask myself fairly often. Now, I do not say any of this to brag about our friendship, but I say this because Cody is an incredible man that I have been able to learn a lot from. He cares and he has taught me a great deal about what it truly means to be intentional with people. Cody attacks relationships in a very unique way by continually pursuing people, regardless of who they are. (Cody, you have been a huge part of my life and I thank you for sharing your wisdom with me!)
Yes, thinking things through can lead to deeper conversations, especially with friends like Cody, but my analytic side also helps me with my decision-making. As I analyze a choice or a situation I try to predict what is going to happen as a result of my decision. Often this helps me see more clearly what is at stake, providing two pathways that clearly depict right from wrong. This can be as simple as deciding whether or not to be out late when I have something planned early in the morning or as big as deciding who my close friends will be. The latter, as big as a decision as it might be, is guided very simply by this one verse, “Bad company corrupts good morals” – 1 Corinthians 15:33. As I choose my friends I try to share my beliefs and values and learn about theirs. I find it very helpful at times to take a step back and consider: "How much can I impact this person? How much can he or she impact me?" In short, I choose my very close friends very carefully.
Thinking things through can be a strength, but I also can see how I can think too much...over analyze myself, others, or situations and that can cause problems and be stumbling blocks to growth and change. If I am being completely honest with myself, a major motive for my analytical side comes from avoiding uncomfortable scenarios. One of the biggest things that I see myself do is avoid situations that involve activities that I am not good at. Whether that is roller blading, ice-skating, or surfing I immediately throw up a wall. I think of any possible excuse not to do those things because I already know what is going to happen; well at least I think I do.
My mind usually picks one of these three excuses: 1) I worry I am going to look like a fool, 2) When I am with just one person I fear about being a burden, and 3) When I am with several people or in a big group, I am concerned because my lack of knowledge or ability might inconvenience everyone.
I realize that when I when I use any of these excuses I am limiting myself from really fun activities, memories, and opportunity for growth. I am hiding from situations that are uncomfortable and that is something that I have been trying to change. Nevertheless, change is difficult.
For example, attempting to communicate with my limited knowledge of Spanish has been the biggest challenge so far. Conversations get awkward and a majority of the time I do not understand what has been said. Another area where I have been challenged has been my living situation. There were so many unknowns about what was ahead and the questions bounced around in my head: Where would I be living, whom would I be living with, and what would be expected of me?
Slowly I am learning…I have taken small steps of progress towards the language and how to live in Spain. I have a long way to go but I am learning that the best approach is to just take that leap of faith, even if I don’t know what is on the other side. Don’t think too much, don’t overanalyze, and just go for it!