The exam, the party and the event

The column by young people
for young people.

Keeping loving at a particularly hectic time

By Cristina Estipona

The weekend of a large youth event was coming up. We set practice and prep days. I knew it would be many hours and a lot of work, but I was also very excited.

At supper time with my family, we started to talk about upcoming schedules. My family was thinking of having a party at our house to celebrate my dad’s birthday and Mother’s Day. As we were deciding on a particular date, I realized that it was on the evening of “my” youth event... To make matters worse, my last final exam was scheduled the day before this big day. I quickly disagreed on the party date, but we were not able to find any other suitable time. I entrusted this hectic time to Jesus and knew it would all be fine if I kept on loving instead of worrying.

The day of my exam came. I went home exhausted. My parents were preparing and cooking for the party. It was hard for me to see them and not dive in to help out, but I had to tell my mom that I was leaving to help prepare for the youth event. My mother had forgotten about it, so she got very upset. I promised to finish off everything after the rehearsal — knowing that I would be very tired and it would be very late.

During the practice for the youth event, I made an extra effort to stay in the present and to love every second without worrying about what grade I got from my exam and what things I had to do when I got back home.
The practice went really well, but it was late when I reached the house. Right away I started to see what things needed to be done. It was midnight, but there I was, cleaning and vacuuming the house. Finally we finished everything and went to bed.

The youth event was a success. When I went home, our family friends were already there. The house was full, and my parents were happy. I even had good news for them: I had received an “A” on my final exam!

Cristina Estipona lives in Hyde Park, New York. She helps coordinate Focolare youth events, contributing her musical talent and insight.

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