Chloe searched the student center until she spotted Jessica. Relieved, she hiked her backpack higher on her shoulder and approached. Jessica glanced up from her Bible and smiled.

            Chloe slipped into the seat next to Jessica. “Thanks for meeting with me today. I need some guidance.”

            Jessica tucked her hair behind her ear. “Of course. That’s what I’m here for. You know I’ve been praying for you.”

            “Thanks. I’m so glad I joined the Bible study. You’re a great mentor.”

            “I’m happy to hear you say that. When I was in college, the Bible group meant so much to me. My small group leader was my inspiration for joining the staff. Now my job is to help college students with their relationships with Christ. It’s a dream come true.”

            Chloe set her backpack on the ground. “I’m happy to hear that, because I have some questions. You know Ava and Belle, right?”

            “Sure. They’re your roommates. They’ve been to the large group meetings a number of times, but they haven’t been to the small group meetings.”

            “No, they both have class Monday nights. But they’ve been arguing about something, and I wanted to hear your perspective.”

            Jessica straightened. “Of course. As long as you’re not betraying their trust.”

            “Not at all. It’s nothing personal, it’s just their personalities. Belle’s sister died a few years ago, so Belle wants to make the most of every moment. She thinks all time is precious and every moment we have is a gift from God. That means she refuses to waste a minute of time. If she’s not eating or sleeping, she’s studying, working out, reading her Bible, or investing in a relationship. She never watches TV or scrolls on her phone.”

            Jessica’s forehead creased. “Interesting. Not the typical college student. What about Ava?”

            Chloe laughed. “Ava is exactly the opposite. Sure, she does some of those things, too, but she’s super chill. She studies only enough to get by, and she’s totally into investing into relationships, but she says it’s important to relax. She lays out on the lawn reading magazines, walks into town and window shops, and plays online games until late in the night. She says life is too short not to relax.”

            Jessica’s kind eyes studied Chloe. “And you want to know which one of them is right.”

            Chloe shrugged. “I do. I understand what they’re both saying, but they can’t both be right. Not when the results are so different.”

            Jessica pointed to the book in front of her. “I can give you some answers from God Himself.”

            Thank heavens. Chloe leaned forward, anxious to hear.

            “There are several verses that you can use to justify Belle’s position. Ephesians 5:15-16 says ‘Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.’ This verse encourages us to live wisely and make the most of our time, while we recognize the challenges in the world and the value of using time for good purposes.” Jessica flipped in her Bible and stopped toward the center. “Psalm 90:12 ‘Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.’” She tapped the page. “Here, we see a prayer reminding us to be mindful of how we use the limited time we have. And finally, James 4:14 ‘Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.’ This verse reminds us of the fleeting nature of life, encouraging us to live with the awareness that our time is precious and uncertain.”

            Chloe frowned. “So Belle is right. There isn’t any time for fun. All our time should be spent doing something meaningful.” She slumped in her seat. Not what she wanted to hear. Sure, life was short and she needed to do good things, but wasn’t there any room for fun?

            Jessica held up a hand. “Those are the verses that support Belle’s perspective. But I’m not finished yet. I have a few verses Ava would like, as well.”

            Chloe straightened. “Go on.”

            Jessica smiled. “The Bible offers guidance on living joyfully, enjoying life, and finding pleasure in a way that honors God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says ‘I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.’ This passage encourages us to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, recognizing these joys as God’s gifts to us. And in John 10:10, Jesus says ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ Jesus promises an abundant life. While this passage is about spiritual life, it also tells us God wants us to experience life fully, which can include fun, joy, and peace.”
            Chloe bit her lower lip, more confused than ever. “So God wants us to use our time wisely, but also wants us to be joyful and have fun?”

            Jessica patted Chloe’s hand. “Yes. But I think you’re making it more complicated than it needs to be. Should you spend an entire day playing video games or scrolling through social media? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean every minute has to be spent doing something productive. Remember, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Not because he needed to, but because we need it. It’s all about balance. About moderation. Life is hard enough without taking time for fun. So yes, do your best to serve the Lord with your time. But even Jesus took time out to go to a friend’s wedding.”

          Chloe beamed. “I knew talking to you was the right thing to do. Thanks for pointing me to the answers in the Bible. You’ve been super helpful. Can you write down those verses for me? I want to share them with my roommates.” Chloe pulled a notebook and pen from her backpack and handed them to Jessica.

            “Of course.” Jessica wrote the references in the notebook and glanced up at Chloe. “But let me leave you with one more. The best Bible verse on moderation I know. Proverbs 25:16.” She added the reference to the sheet and pushed the notebook and pen back across the table.
            “What does that verse say?”

            “You’ll have to look that one up for yourself.” Jessica stood. “I have to get to a meeting with another student. Let me know how it goes with your roommates. I’ll be praying for you.”

           “Thanks, Jessica.” Chloe stood and pulled her phone from her backpack. She typed the reference into the browser and pulled up the verse. Reading through it, she couldn’t help but laugh out loud. True moderation indeed.

Proverbs 25:16 If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.

            God, thank You for the guidance You give us in Your word. You’ve created each of us with a purpose, and we all have gifts You want us to use to fulfill that purpose. And yes, life is short, and we are to redeem the time. Please help us use our time wisely, but please help us remember it is important to take the time to rest, relax, and enjoy the world You created for us. You are our Father and You love to give good gifts to your children. Enjoying life is a good gift. Thank you for the people in our lives who share Godly council with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.