OPINIONS

WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 7 Planning for leisure invites joy into busyness

BY SARA PATTERSON

Editor-In-Chief

Tiger Tunes, what many consider to be the busiest time of their semester, has come and gone. If you weren’t involved in Tiger Tunes, there is likely another busy season that you’ve experienced, are in the middle of or are awaiting.

Whatever that busy season may look like, they all pass after some time, leaving us with more normal schedules. Once these times of busyness pass, we must face this question: how will we spend our time now?

We don’t think about time very intentionally in our culture. From my personal experience, this is because we are so task-oriented. I know I tend to think of time as merely an opportunity to cross items off of my to-do list. While time can be useful, we are not feeling the full benefit of this gift if we limit time in this way.

As college students juggling more responsibilities than many of us have ever had before, how are we supposed to spend our time any other way than working, so that we have time to do more work later?

Planning our time with a new focus may be a good first step. When I remember to write in my planner, I only include things I need to work on. I wonder if I would get more out of my time if I planned to take time for things that I simply enjoy.

As you’re reading this, you might be thinking about your hectic schedule and doubting that you even have time available to plan for anything other than getting things done. If this is true for you, it’s important to create some space in your schedule as far as you’re able to.

Jesus himself took time away to recharge. As the only person on earth who could heal people, he easily could have spent all of his time working.

Luke 5:15-16 says, “Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Jesus was fully God, so he could have worked all the time, right? Well, Jesus was also fully human and human bodies need rest. Jesus also served as an example for his followers to learn from. He made a practice of rest to show us that we should and what that looks like.

The second half of that passage from Luke should be said about us too. Though we have many responsibilities and many people depending on us, we withdraw and talk to God.

I went on the Campus Ministries and RecLife retreat to Shepherd of the Ozarks over fall break. On one morning of the trip, I spent the morning sitting on a cliff looking at the mountains and talking to God. I was in awe of the many ways I encountered God all at once. I was looking at his creation right in front of me, having a conversation with him and reading from his Word. When I look back on that moment, I realize that I have all of those things available to me each day. My schedule is what keeps me from finding myself in another spectacular moment like that.

As we orient our schedules to invite leisure time, we may experience the side effect of better relationships. When I think of activities I want to make time for, I often think of people I haven’t seen in a while that I could invite.

As I return to my busy life, I am challenging myself to plan to spend time alone with God and in fellowship with others. I hope you can do the same in your busy life, and I hope it brings you joy.

Campus Ministries and RecLife hosted a fall retreat at Shepherd of the Ozarks over fall break. Spending leisure time outside can be restful, enlightening and life-giving. (photo courtesty of Sara Patterson)

Fashion tips for sweater weather this season

BY VALERIA GOMEZ

Staff Writer

Fall is finally here and that means it is time to put your war weather clothes away and start planning your fall outfits. Most college students are on a budget. Make sure you check your closet for these trending pieces before buying anything new. With that being said, here are a few of the fall 2021 fashion trends you do not want to miss out on.

Bright, colorful sweaters are in this season. While neutral colors are always essential, it can be fun to get out of your comfort zone and try the colorful trend with a brightly colored sweater. Pair your fun sweater with a neutral bottom for a balanced outfit.

Leather jackets have been around for years but are the staple that seems to never go out of style. You can easily dress them up with a dress and heels, or you can dress them down with jeans and sneakers. The jacket will keep you both warm and stylish on chilly days.

Skinny jeans have been the goto denim in fall weather for a long time. This fall, however, loose-fit denim like mom jeans, flares, bootcuts and boyfriend jeans are more on trend. You can often find this kind of denim at a thrift store. Shopping second-hand is good for your budget and for the environment. Pair your jeans with a slim-fit top for balance and add a colorful blazer. Complete the look with tennis shoes, and you will have the perfect outfit.

Oversized button downs are a longstanding fall fashion staple. You can play with different materials like corduroy or stripes and pair them with skirts or denim. If you want a business casual look, wear gold jewelry and put your hair up in a high ponytail or a low sleek bun. It’s all about the details. These will be your go-to when you want to look sophisticated and comfortable at the same time.

For the guys, varsity jackets are back in style. They come in different colors and are easy to throw on. These will make your outfit go from basic to trendy.

Baseball caps also remain a staple accessory. When in doubt, wear a baseball cap that matches your outfit to elevate it.

When colder weather hits, layering will be your best friend. Starting with a turtleneck as your base. Turtlenecks make you look classier and can add a touch of color to a neutral outfit. Add an oversized jacket on top and trendy sneakers. Don’t let the cold weather stop you from dressing up.

Sandy tones are all the rage in men’s fashion this fall. From beige to brown, you can mix and match and create a casual college look. For example, wear a beige V neck sweater with a white shirt underneath, jeans and white sneakers. Who said college guys can’t be stylish?

All of these trendy items were on the 2021 fall runways, and you can implement them into your casual college student outfits. Have fun changing up your wardrobe for the fall weather this season.