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BY REV. KEVIN SMALLS

I remember my freshman orientation at Claflin University. During that week my roommates and I were racing to immerse ourselves in college life. It was a life that was so new, so fresh, so exciting.

After being there for just two days, we wanted to know where the hot party spots were, who were potential dates in freshman class and, of course, how long would it take to end up in a fraternity. We wanted to master college life by the end of the week.

But our minds were turned away from those things as we ended up being bogged down with assignments, projects, reading forever and writing papers. Sure, we participated in a campus party here or there and an opportunity to hang out once in a while. There was a difference from what we thought college life was to what it actually turned out to be. We had to develop and move from our original ideas and expectations of college life to learn the real deal.

Once, during freshman orientation, we went to this huge campus block party welcoming incoming freshman. There were about 150 people rigorously and energetically doing the famous group dance called the Electric Slide. It was an awesome sight.

Everybody was moving in precise rhythm and skill, until my roommates and I got in there. I rem-ember how embarrassed I was as I bumped into people, stepped on people?s feet, and almost tripped up on my own two feet. I felt that everybody out there noticed how awkward I was. We were not yet developed as dancers, at least in this particular dance. It took a few tries and many errors before we got it right.

I want to tell you that the Discipleship Adventure is about developing as a believer. As you develop as young adults in the faith, don?t feel discouraged because you are a bit awkward in the dance. Keep at it, even if you annoy other dancers. Keep on dancing; don?t stop. God will bless your dancing; God will give you rhythm and grace.

I encourage you to seek the following opportunities as you develop in faith:

• Attend a Bible Study or start one at your church that enables you to learn the biblical story and then seek ways in which the Bible message can be applied to your life.
• Take time to learn as much as you can about what it means to be a United Methodist Christian in the context of your church, family and life. I know this may not sound exciting but I assure you John Wesley had a lot going on in his life from which we can all learn and grow.
• Seek to grow spiritually. Find ways to improve and enhance your prayer life, your contemplation, and your worship as an individual. Prayer is essential to the Christian walk. There are many ways to live a life of prayer. Find out the ways that fit you.

You, my friends, are a part of a great dance.

Faithful development is learning how to accept Christ?s invitation to dance and get your groove on in faith. See you on the dance floor.

The Rev. Kevin Smalls is associate council director for young adult ministries for the Baltimore-Washington Conference.