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?