Some thoughts as I start a new school year...

This weekend the students moved back to campus. It's a wonderful time of the year! I am dog tired at the end of the day, but I so enjoy meeting the new people and accomplishing the task of getting everyone in and settled!

This weekend I met many concerned parents. I listened intently as they shared the special things I would need to know to help their child adjust, patted their backs as the tears came to their eyes when talking about leaving their child in our care, and laughed with them when they became exasperated with their young adult. I remember when I first began this position - I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of details that there were to care to. I am certain I did not make the parents feel more at ease about leaving the most precious piece of their heart in my care. I am thankful for the growth I have experienced in this role and all that I am able to offer them now.

On the flip side I'm not sure I made as great of an impression on my new students as I did when I first began. I am 7 years older than that first year (I'm nearly twice their age now) and am closer to the age of their parents than I am to theirs. I sometimes let that freak me out and chip away at my confidence. I am then reminded of the good work that I continue to do with students - usually through an encouraging word from one of them about the impact I've had on their college years. I consider it a great privilege to be in their lives.

My prayer as I head into a new year is not for popularity with students, nor is it for a year free of conflict. It's not for co-workers with whom I always see eye to eye or for students that always follow the rules. My prayer is that when we get to the end of May we all can look back and see growth in our lives and in those around us, that we learned more about the people that God wants us to be, and that we felt loved along the way.