Our campus minister is leaving. Melodie will be sorely missed. Part of it is a budget crunch like all schools in this economy, but also it is an opportunity for her to minister to younger students at a nearby parish school. Her absence leaves a hole in many of our school programs, but especially in our Kairos retreat program.
It was a Kairos retreat that I attended almost a year and half ago that changed my life. I attended the retreat again this year as a team member. Experiencing Kairos from both sides has enriched my life beyond measure. But now, I am feeling the call to service, to fill Melodie’s role as retreat director (along with my other duties as teacher, department chair, bus driver, etc.).
I have never done anything like this before. Being a retreat director is not exactly like teaching a class, but I imagine that some of those skills will translate over well. I am a bit nervous to think about all of the responsibilities and all of the things that need to be done. And as a new convert, I am not confident in the church traditions and customs. But I feel the call to do to it.
Last night, I was listening to a Switchfoot song called “On Fire”, and the following lines helped put everything in perspective:
I’m standing on the edge of me
I’m standing on the edge of everything I’ve ever been
It is time for me to stand up and move out of my comfort zone. God has given me an opportunity to serve Him and others. I hope that I don’t let anyone down.
The lyrics above apply to Melodie too. She has a new job, a new ministry, a new school, a different age group to teach. She too has a new opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and to serve. I wish her well.