My life as an ARD

Well I don't expect this blog to be incredibly profound or detailed but but I think at this point it would be good for me to process my position thus far in the year. So far I would say I love what I do. I find it challenging and life giving all at the same time. Through this position I feel like God knows me well, he knows my talents, my downfalls and my heart. Of course God knows me... he shows that to me often, but with this position, I feel I cannot deny the work he is doing in my life.

Everyday I am being taught, by God and by those around me. The support in my life right now is so great that it is almost beyond words. Sometimes I feel as if I don't deserve to be supported like I am but I realize it may not be best to think that way. I just hope that I always appreciate my current situation in life.

I seriously learn what I am doing as I am doing it... which is so exciting for me and just allows for so much dependence on God. The people that I influence are many, about 150 in fact. And that is a huge responsibility... that I hope I always treat with care.

"perhaps you were called to this position for such a time as this..." I do feel called to what I do. I even feel prepared for it, but in a very unspecific way. I think my heart is prepared for the position as a whole, I am just learning that in little or big things, this is position is becoming a lifestyle. My involvement the freshman's lives is different than the involvement that I have had with past ministries. I am a little more removed, but constantly being watched. I have big group interactions and not as much one on ones... Of course I am still overwhelmed by learning everyone's name but even though I may not be able to know their name I do care for each person so much. And as I pass each student I hope that I can communicate with my smile that I would be here for them. That if they were to say their day isn't going to well, I would stop and listen. But I realize I cannot do that on my own... and that that kind of care can only be communicated by the power of the Holy Spirit. I hope not to be driven by my own ambitions, but driven by a selfless love.

I am learning patience, humility, and something a little more practical as well- time management... I still need a lot of work in all of these areas... but that is what the whole year is for right?