One of the difficult things for me this time of year is that everyone is running on frantic, in a focused manner because we all know this is the most important part of the year. The relationships we make this time of year determine how the rest of the year goes, at least the next semester go. The busyness of it all drive us to become focused on doing… getting the job done. Some times we feel frustration from volunteers, other times we are excited about new students we meet. other times we feel like we just can’t do enough to keep up. For those of us with a base performance frame, it’s exhilirating but and intoxicating at the same time.

I’ve struggled with maintaining a grace orientation, one that rests on God’s work in and through me. Yet, it is especially important to see life that way this time of year. I often miss God’s plan in all the encounters and inconveniences  during this time of year. I often miss the people of peace right in front of my face, I miss the life lesson my kids are shogin me right now… My desire is to walk expectantly with job and yet I often find myself expecting God to walk according to my latest plan and organizational strategy.