Out running again tonight. Nothing too strenuous so my mind started to wander into the upcoming semester. Some of those thoughts filled me with excitement. A new year brings new relationships, new challenges, a fresh start–good stuff! But in honesty, there were other thoughts that passed through my mind that weren’t so pleasant.
This is the beginning of my 10th year @ AU. I know the start of the semester will include things like 60-70 hour weeks, organizational nightmares, bureaucratic red tape, unending small talk, and relational disappointment–not fun. All that and then recalling that this can be a thankless job–yeah, I was feeling sorry for myself.
Enter the Holy Spirit. I was climbing one of the more serious hill in Tenleytown and sherpas popped into my mind. That’s right, the Spirit turned my attention to those hardy Tibetans that help people to the top of Mt Everest. I specifically thought about how I don’t know much about them. Here is an incredible group of men and a few women who have climbed to the top of the world time and time again and received only a small share of the glory. They’re the quintessential supporting cast. Their job is to provide the expertise and equipment that’s necessary for the climb and point the way toward the goal. When they do their job well, the results are spectacular, but if they fail, things can go badly (to say the least).
I’m not sure I would call myself a “spiritual sherpa” (high altitude makes me dizzy), but the Spirit’s point wasn’t lost on me. The students in my ministry are on a journey. They’re forming adult understanding about many things not the least of which is faith. It’s a tough climb. My job is to provide the tools and advice at the appropriate time to help them reach their goal. I point the way. This year I’ll try to remember my glory is not getting to the top, but guiding others. That may not put me in the limelight all that often, but bright lights just show off my gray hair anyway.
Levi sings (and waves) to music supplied by the Wiggly Guitar. An instant classic. As always, the best moments happen when there are no cameras around. Thank God for camera phones!
Look closely @ what Shawn is holding. Yes, that is a cup of espresso. Those of you who know my friend and fellow missionary know how amazing this picture is. Shawn doesn’t drink coffee. You could probably put Shawn into the anti-coffee category. During break times @ out of town conferences, when most of us would hunt for the local coffee shop, Shawn would search for tea (if you thought finding good coffee was hard…).
“So”, you ask, “why the sudden change? Why is Shawn drinking espresso?!!” It can only be explained by calling. Shawn is in the process of finishing up his budget to pioneer student ministry in Spain. And Spain, like the rest of Europe is espresso crazy. A few months ago he wrote about the possibility of exploring the world of espresso as a relationship building tool. I’ve been eager to brew a cup for him ever since. Earlier this month, Shawn made a quick trip back to DC to pick up his family’s Spanish visas. The fact that he received them so easily was a minor miracle. It was something to celebrate. A perfect time to raise a double shot of espresso! While I wouldn’t say he enjoyed it, Shawn did manage to drink almost all of the 2 oz I gave him. I imagine he’ll be throwing back café cortados (espresso with a dash of milk) as a part of his morning routine in no time. Who knows…it may be the key to reaching Spain for Jesus. At any rate, I’m happy to help my friend with the enculturation process. Shawn, you’ll be in my prayers every time I fire up my espresso machine.
I was out running today. I was fast. This route was flatter than yesterday’s, but I imagine it was more likely that I was thinking about the predator on the loose in our neighborhood.
Before you get too worried, let me explain. I received American University emails and our local ABC station reported about the situation yesterday. There have been 4 incidents of sexual assault a few blocks away from our apartment over the past few weeks. It’s probably the same guy. He’s preying on women walking by themselves.
I was out after dark for my regular run, not too concerned, but I did notice my pace was considerably faster as I neared the spot of the attack (it was actually had my fastest 3 mile time since February–maybe I was concerned). I made another observation tonight. I passed 3 women, walking or running by themselves, with headphones in their ears. The sidewalk was narrow when I ran by one of these ladies. It was obvious by her reaction that I startled her. She didn’t notice me until I was right next to her. Maybe she was oblivious to the news, maybe she’s just passionate about music, but I have 2 words of advice for my fellow runner: be careful. I know how motivating your favorite song can be when you’re chugging up the hills of DC, but after dark, please leave your iPod @ home. Trust me–you’ll be a whole lot safer and this 34 year old runner won’t raise your blood pressure either.
Thanks for Visiting!
Mike and Jen Godzwa are Assemblies of God campus ministers and the proud parents of three boys Samuel, Levi and Nathanael. Read on for thoughts on faith, family, running, coffee and our ministry to students in Washington, DC.
