New Semester, New Students, Same Routine

It’s been two weeks of welcoming students back to campus starting with RAs, athlete teams and freshmen.  A familiar rhythm marked by joyous hugs, summaries of the summer and a challenge to individual students as they begin the next year.

As each of my discipleship students returned to campus, I tried to meet with them early before the start of classes and intensity of their schedule.  Asking about their encounters from the summer and areas that they have been stretched and grown.  

Much anticipation goes into the preparation and allowing God to direct and send the students to me.  It is a very new season but very much the same season.  Each year, very faithfully, I have had God put a spotlight onto the students that I am to reach.  Most often crossing our paths and having them follow up with me to meet with them again and again.  They come into the fold and then launch.  Into the fold and launch.  That’s the nature of college ministry.  And I am excited to meet new students as the year unfolds.  

Seeing students lead and grow is the greatest joy.  When I started in the field of education, I was told that this would be the most exhausting job and the most rewarding job all in one and that definitely is the case.  As I met with a group of juniors and listened to them talk about how they wanted to pour into the freshmen and challenged them in intentionality I was reminded of just how quickly the years pass.  One junior girl asked, “Did you know when you met us that we would become so close?” And the answer was no.  Usually I do not know after the initial meeting with someone.  Over time God continues to put certain students on my heart and my mind and I reach out, meet with them one on one and walk with them through their college years.  Planting seeds and watering them takes time.  And when I’m able to see those seeds develop and plant their own seeds, there is always a huge smile on my face and in my heart!  The kingdom is at it’s best when it is multiplying.

And so it begins, another season of walking with students.  Another season of leading discipleship.  Another season of training and pursuing and seeing’ the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  And I am thankful and grateful for this front row seat and the opportunity to expand the kingdom another inch!

Please pray for the fruit and seeds to be planted this fall!