Chicken Poc performs at Mock Rock 2013. In his article, Sam Alex discusses the importance of avoiding overextending yourself. | Olivia Blinn/THE CHIMES [file photo]

SOS week, the first day of school, clubs fair, ministries fair, intramurals and nationball; friendships and activities bloom as the school year jumpstarts. Emotions are quick to kindle as the excitement of new things seems immeasurable, and it seems that there is just not enough time for everything that you want to do. “But Sam!” you say, “there are so many awesome things here! So many incredible people! So many potential spouses I have to secretly interview as we hang out!” Listen, I definitely am hearing you out; been there, done that.

As an upperclassman, I’ve been involved in the Biola community over the last couple of years and have gathered many experiences, both good and bad. And as a seasoned Biola student, my biggest exhortation to you is to set boundaries. Now, boundaries can positively bound and restrict several areas of life. There are friendship boundaries, sexual boundaries within relationships, and boundaries regarding your time and schedule. Coming into a new school year, it is extremely easy to overcommit without even knowing it. Before you know it, you find yourself neck deep in an ocean of commitments. Now hear me out, I know there are great things and great people on this campus. But really listen as I say this: An unavailable you is always better than an inattentive you. Being consumed by the seemingly endless coffee dates at Commons, numerous club meetings and an intramural game every day of the week is not how the Biola experience should be lived out. There is a better way.

Boundaries are necessary. They will allow you to invest in the friendships and activities in which you are involved which will ultimately allow you to experience the rich goodness and depth of those people and things. Coming from a guy who has learned the hard way, I urge you to take a deep breath, look around and enjoy the people you are with at that moment because you are  never going to get that moment back. By all means, be excited about everything that is going on and the endless possibilities of the new things and people around you, but remember the old friends next to you, remember the clubs and ministries you are in right now and make an impact on them. Love deeply, live fully, and as the missionary Jim Elliot once said, “Wherever you are, be all there.” I encourage you to not spread yourself thin, but to invest in those who are around you and the various activities in which you are involved. Live within boundaries and reap the benefits of relationships that break the surface.