My Morning Off

So, I'm currently sitting down in Java City--my old place of employment--spending my morning catching up on the news I haven't been watching, the National League race (By the way, the Cubs are 5 games ahead of the Brewers, and it's almost September. Could this be the year the Cubs break the curse and actually pose a threat down the homestretch and in the post-season? I hope so.), and checking the weather to see what kind of day at work it will be. It's been overcast since I woke up; I don't think it's going to rain, but this is South Dakota. I still have a few hours before I go to work, so I decided to update this blog.
Well, the last few days have been pretty routine. Work is finally settling down. I’m getting used to the job more and more each day. And the kids are getting a lot more comfortable with me around. The presence of the big hairy guy doesn’t really bother the tykes anymore. I’ve also learned about 50% of the 86 new names I need to learn. At this point, if I know a kid’s last name, it’s because he or she has given me reason to know it. I got the typical “Hey, are you still alive?” phone call from my parents. When one’s life is as boring as mine is right now, there’s really no reason to call home and say, “I did nothing real productive all morning and then went to work.” every few days. Seriously. Could my life be any less productive right now?
I spent a major portion of this morning reading blogs. I was checking the weather on KeloLand and stumbled onto the blogs of Doug Lund & Steve Hemmingsen--former news anchors for KeloLand news. They spend their retired life traveling, playing golf, and blogging about the world. It's quite humerous. I'll probably continue reading. Apparently Doug Lund is on the Atkin's Diet. He remarks, "Next to sanctification by grace, fresh-from-the-field sweet corn is God’s greatest gift to mankind."

Well, classes start in nine days. Yes, I’m a student who counts down the days until classes start. Don’t judge me. I ordered my books online and ended up saving a good amount of money. Over the next week, they'll slowly roll in. This will be exciting. (Again, don't judge me.) Then life will get a bit more interesting—maybe even stressful. Probably stressful, but I’m okay with it. I’ve used all the free time I have in the mornings to teach myself how to chord on the piano. My church is starting another worship service soon, and I’ve been asked to play keyboards for worship. I’m pretty excited. Learning new things has always been a part of my life and stretching my comfort zone really doesn’t hurt anymore. This should be a fun new adventure. This really gives me a chance to get comfortable speaking in front of crowds, (Yes, give me a song to sing in front of a large crowd, I’m fine. Ask me to speak? I’ll probably laugh at you.) which is important for the field I’m heading into. It’ll probably be important to speak in public well as a pastor. Also, this will give me a chance to share theological thoughts with large groups to see if my education is really paying off. I think it is, personally, but what do I know as I’m heading into my second year of formal theological training. I didn’t construct any giant heresies last year, so let’s hope I’m on the right path.

So, anyway, that’s pretty much the excitement of my life right now. Hopefully life will pick up pace here soon.

Current Mood: Bored. Yeah, bored.

Current Music: "Waiting for the World to Change." Oh irony. I didn't pick the song; it's playing over on the Java City CD player.

My Random Meeting

So, tonight, I got off work at Southern Hills and had to be back at the church for praise band practice in an hour. (During the semester, this time will be spent doing homework for sure.) So, I left for awhile in search of a Taco Bell on the east side of town (the Frutista Freeze beverage sounds amazing. If anyone knows where a Taco Bell is on Sycamore Ave. or east, please hook me up. I'm still pretty clueless about Sioux Falls; don't judge me.) I gave up and settled for the Kum & Go next to the huge brick building that is Washington High School (Seriously, the thing is gigantic.)
I go in, grab my supper, and then I met a lady named Renee. The store wasn't very busy, and the cash register had been fighting with Renee all day long. So, I had time to talk, or listen rather.
Renee is a mom of four, a full time employee at Kum & Go, and a computer-challenged college student. All four of her daughters went through college. And now, she figured it was her turn.
Now, let me explain a bit about me. I really like non-traditional students. I think their stories from how they got from where they were to where they are are pretty great. For example, a story from my one excellent year at Northern State University. At Spring Commencement, a mother and a daughter graduated from college together. I think that's really cool.
So, I digress. Renee's story is really cool. And she is a really neat lady--judging from the ten minutes we spent together. So I find myself wanting to cover her in prayer. It cannot be easy to be a full-time employee and a college student. I mean, I had a hard time being a part-time employee and a college student last semester. (Oh Intro to Philosophy... why did you haunt me so?)
If you get a chance as classes gear up to start for another semester, take some time to pray for students going back, students going for the first time, the mothers who will cry when their son or daugther leaves, and non-trads trying to make it happen.

Current mood: Sleepy, reflective, thankful
Current music: "God of Wonders" by Third Day

My Change of Plans

So, as of my last post, I was going to be returning to Sioux Falls a day early to work at Java City organizing stuff, working behind the counter while Linda & Jenn prepared, delivered, and tore down catered events.
Well...
A major change of plans occurred. First, a little background what went down. Since I started coming to USF, I have been faithfully attending Southern Hills United Methodist Church--serving with their music ministry & youth ministry. The pastor there is named Steve Ziebarth. Steve used to be a pastor in Gregory and was responsible for my baptism.
So, a major change of plans, like I said. I was out in a hayfield on Friday, August 8, minding my own business cutting alfalfa and singing along to the radio (Kool 98.3--Classic Rock). When all of a sudden, my phone rings. It's Steve. Awesome. I hadn't talked to him all summer and was very excited to catch up with him. We exchange pleasantries and he says, "So, are you looking for a job?" And I said, "Well, I'm employed at the coffee shop but wouldn't object to a change." He went on to explain that the after-school program was pretty short staffed, especially in the male department. We talked on a little longer, and I bit. He gave me a number of current boss. Through several phone calls, I end up with an interview on the following Tuesday (the 12th.) Pretty cool. So, I go this interview and am really excited for what the job entails. Hanging out with kids, sharing faith if a child asks, pretty cool stuff.
After the interview, I have a job starting on Monday, August 18th. Time to go quit my job at the coffee house. The only crappy thing is that two kids quit the day before--not really my problem, but I did feel bad. But Jenn was really cool with it, as was Linda. Thanks to them, if they happen to stumble upon this. Next on my list was finding Residence Life staff so I could possibly line things up to move into Sullivan Hall a full two and a half weeks early. God is good, my friends. Everyone was in place for this to go smoothly. Excellence.
This new job is a lot more rewarding than the coffeehouse I used to work at. It's only been two days, but I sincerely feel that I can make a difference in these kids' lives as they get to know me and I get to know them. But anyway, this job is seriously awesome. Granted, there were moments I did play "bartender" at Java City and had many great conversations across the counter with good friends; I feel like I'm making more of a difference for the Kingdom of God serving in this after-school program. And the fact that I got to move to Sioux Falls early is a definite plus.
However, I'm a little concerned right now. This job is going well, my roommate is awesome, things are excellent... But I never really dealt with the issue I raised in my last post--My Struggle. Applying the C.S. Lewis of Christian love to contentment certainly did work. After I discovered this train of thought and continued to read Mere Christianity, summer definitely ended really well. The weeks of being absent from updating were because wheat and oat harvest came. (Things didn't go really well--I broke a grain truck. Bent the frame pretty badly. Not good.) But I still feel like I didn't really find true contentment. Perhaps it is indeed just an "age thing." Time will tell. To quote the band Go Fish talking about God's perspective versus ours, "You see the whole parade." God knows and has a plan. I just have to trust. In time, I'll know the purpose for this summer.
But for now, I'm just thankful. God is really pushing me out of my comfort zone with this one, and I love every minute of it as this change of plans unfolds.

Current Mood: A bit sleepy and very thankful.
Current Music: "How Great is Our God" by Chris Tomlin. Amen, right?