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My job is somewhat of a mystery. When I tell my family I work at a university, they ask me what I teach. When I tell friends that I'm a student affairs professional they snicker. When I tell strangers I'm a residence hall coordinator they ask me what year I am in school.
"I'm in 20th grade and no, I am not an RA."
If you've ever attended college or even stepped foot on campus, you know that the energy there is just electric. So many young minds being molded and shaped and challenged and stretched. The excitement and spirit is contagious. The potential for growth is exhilarating.
I have spent the last year and a few months as a full-time hall coordinator, supervising 11 RAs and being "mom" to about 400 college students, mostly freshmen, at a large state university.
I have spent the last year and a few months coming to the realization that my job is not a job at all but a calling from God to serve.
Although I'd love to say that most of my time attending fun events, engaging in deep conversations, and helping students develop into confident and mature members of the community, much of my job is meeting with students when they get into trouble.And as we all know, the path to adulthood is paved with more than a few poor decisions and silly mistakes.
It's easy to dread these meetings and having to hold students accountable to university policies and procedures. I on the other hand see these meetings as my number one opportunity to show them the face of Jesus.
Paul writes in Galatians, "Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently" Galatians 6:1.
Paul doesn't admonish those who are caught in sin nor points out their faults and failures. Instead he speaks directly to the person on the other side of the table, the one who is doing the restoring.
Restore them gently.
Restore them lovingly.
Restore them with compassion and kindness.
I have the words "Galatians 6:1" written on my drawer where I keep the files of students who made not-so-great decisions. I pray before I meet with these students and reflect on God's calling for me as a spiritual person in the position of restoring.
On the eve of a new school year, I know that I can't shelter my students or make their decisions for them. All I can do is pray for them, encourage them, and keep my office door open for when they need me.
you are so right! your post is so encouraging (i'm currently a RA so I deal with it on the other side). what a great way to keep it all in perspective :)
ReplyDeletei adore this post and am bookmarking it. I struggle almost daily as i deal with crisis on a regular basis as my job is student conduct at a large urban institution in philadelphia. mental health issues are running rampant and praying is something that not only will help me in handling my next mental health crisis but will hopefully help in the restoring process of some of these students. lovely post laura. :)gina
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you! Thank you for being a light for the Lord!
ReplyDelete: )
Julie M.
Thanks for this Laura. What a great post and a great reminder on how to deal with others in these situations.
ReplyDeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteI happened to google on "How to restore a mentee caught in sin" and your website appeared on the top of the search results. Frankly, I have been troubled over a mentee caught in sin and she has told me about her decision to go ahead with something that I do not agree or support. God then put Galatians 6:1 in my heart and I didn't really know how to restore her "gently" but after reading your post, I have a clearer picture now. :) Just want to let you know that your post has given me an answer on how to go about helping that person. :) God bless u sister! Keep writing for the Lord!