The motorways of this country are heaving today with cars that have been filled to the sunroof with pots, duvets, books and laptops. In the front of each car sits a relieved parent and a bleary-eyed student.

The process of emptying your university room and transporting the contents to another location is an illuminating one. Some items that were used a lot, others that were used far too little. T-shirts that tell a story of a memorable night out. Trophies from the hockey club. DVD box sets that were watched night and day. It is a picture of how you have spent your year.

If you are a student and finishing this year’s studies, let me encourage you to take the time to reflect on your year. What went well? What didn’t? Was this year all that you hoped it would be? Have you made friends with the right people? Do you have anything you regret? Are you pleased with who you have become? What will you do differently next year?

God is interested in all of these things. He understands everything you have gone through this year. He gets it! He really does. Even when it seems that others don’t, our God knows every detail of your life and loves you the same. The bible says “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4: 15-16 NIV)

So whether you have had a great year, a tough year or somewhere in between, talk to God about it. Ask him what he thinks and wait for the answer.