A sticky spot, some dirt and Christmas candy. There was also a mysterious puddle in the fridge that I didn't think you'd want to see. These are the remnants of a semester of campus ministry at the Wesley House. I know it is the end of the semester when I can finally put up tables and really clean things, in anticipation for the coming flurry of activity that the next semester will bring. I'm not sure what that sticky spot was, but as I discovered it I gave thanks.
Sticky spots on the floor may not be what you give thanks for, but for me it was a reminder of the many students that had been in our building these last few months. This semester has been challenging in many ways - (for me personally it started with a broken rib, foot surgery, and the process of writing my initial draft of my D.Min project). For my students the semester began with faculty on strike, power outages, and a lot of confusion! But we made it. The exams are done. The papers have been turned in. In the process we celebrated new connections with local churches, a huge youth overnight, and moments of deep spiritual conversation both in worship and around tables of tacos and 1/2 off apps at Applebee's.
As I discovered the sticky spot and the mysterious refrigerator goop I realized that the building was quieter than it has been in weeks. This last few weeks reminded me that ministry is never boring. Even when a long to-do list awaits God reminds me often that what's most important is listening, encouraging, and just plain being present. Campus ministry is so fast paced, we start full-speed in August and we don't slow down until December. In the midst of regular worship and Bible studies we spend energy reaching out to new students, and cultivating relationships with local churches. At the same time I see God working in the lives of the students as they find strength in being in a safe and welcoming community. Twice this semester I had a student pull me aside to tell me that they loved being a part of Wesley House and appreciate what we do....but they wanted to be clear that they aren't religious. Both times this happened my heart sang a little bit in recognition of what God does through this ministry. Isn't that the kind of community that we are called to be as people who want to be like Jesus?
The thing is, we don't have to develop religious people. What we do at Wesley House is love people the way God does...and often just by doing that they begin to realize that they are loved by God. Then we get to have conversations about faith and service and things like spiritual gifts. I imagine our campus ministries touch more non-religious young people than any of our churches ever will. It is not because church isn't friendly or welcoming, it is because we can meet students on their terms in their territory. Sitting in the library giving a student a pack of Ramen noodles and snacks, wishing them luck on exams is what Jesus would do. Putting gingerbread houses together and Christmas trivia contests can lead to praying for students' deepest hurts and concerns.
As we enter into our final week of Advent I am reminded again to make space for the Holy One. Emmanuel - God with us. The God who continues to breathe life into our chaos. The God who holds all things together, even when I wonder if we are falling apart. The God of sticky spots and open hearts who calls us into the best version of humanity that we can be. Thanks be to God.
