Working in Christian Higher Ed provides a unique trench in which to practice peacemaking. Then again, perhaps it is also very common. The more I experience peacemaking in other forms, the more connections I see to the trench in which I work. We have students from many different backgrounds wrestling with beliefs, perspectives, encounters that greatly differ from their own. This gives space for conflict to arise. My role in Residence Life is not to prevent conflict but rather to guide students through the conflicts they face so they become stronger and more welcoming to humans who differ from them. While not always successful, we persevere in hope.

We persevere because the calling to guide students in their formative years in my life is empowered by an endless source of energy. I was given a prompt from the Holy Spirit back in 2003 to “warn everyone and admonish everyone in all wisdom, that you may present everyone perfect in Christ Jesus.” This path has led me to a life of discipling others on their journey, be they Christian or not. All humans deserve guidance on their journey to the end “…that their hearts may be encouraged, knit together in love, attaining all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” This is the great hope to which I cling. This is the great hope guiding my work. And yet, anxiety finds a way in.

It is subtle, but I catch myself fearing…wait…I can’t think of anything. I think I am just attempting to make something up about which to be anxious. I am not, naturally, an anxious person. I know the challenges facing higher education but I don’t fear these challenges. I engage my calling as long as there are students. When there are no more students, or the institution asks me to leave (which I suppose creates a bit of anxiety within), I trust I will find others who are journeying and join them so their heart may be encouraged. God has set me on a path. While I remain in this body and have opportunity to engage others, I remain hopeful that God will meet us and God’s mystery will be revealed through our relationship. The one anxious thought that finds space in my life is “will the institution, or those with whom I journey, choose to part ways with me and no longer desire to be in relationship. This, alone, gives me sorrow and concern.