The NOVA Experience: Week 2

At the conclusion of my second full week in NOVA, I've realized just how different my life is now. It's like the pace went from an adagio to an allegro (woohoo orchestra) in a blink of an eye. 

I recently started working as a server at Glory Days, a popular local sports bar, and I chose the best time to start too.. opening weekend of the NFL! The restaurant was stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey all weekend and there I was, a rookie in the food industry, getting a crash course in what a busy restaurant looked like behind the scenes. I shadowed servers, worked expo, memorized drinks and the expansive menu, and served tables to conclude my 5 straight days of training. Absolutely crazy stuff (co-workers and customers included). 

On top of this, I've had to put in work for my internship at KCPC. I've been given a fair amount of administrative duties, which has meant putting together the directory of a 200 person ministry. I am also in charge of the Hospitality Team and have been given the task of contacting and developing relationships with the 10-15 newcomers who show up every Sunday, along with the many meetings and social obligations that come with being on the leadership of the ministry.

My life has taken a legitimate 180 and it's been hectic to the point where I haven't really been able to sit back and just think. Writing this post has been my breath of fresh air and I've come to realize that... I'm really enjoying this. 

After the fall of man in Genesis, God gave humans the command to work. Being busy is a good thing. I said in my first post that I came to VA to suffer, but conflictingly God has provided me with enough income to get by, a place to call home, and a solid community within my first week here. I remember asking myself at one point, "where is the suffering?" because everything had seemed to come into place on its own. But then I realized that in a worldly sense, I am in the midst of suffering right now. Working 50 hours a week (6 days/week) at 2 jobs with crappy pay (relative to "real" jobs out of college) and a small room to call home would look like suffering to a lot of people I know. One of the most beautiful things about being a Christian is the perspective it gives you. Hardship becomes opportunities for growth. If you know me, you know that one of my greatest flaws is that I've always tried to get by with as minimal work possible, and I'll admit that. After this second week, I am certain that one of God's intentions for me in NOVA is to mold me into a man that understands the fruits of hard labor. Man was instructed to work and frankly, I've been fortunate enough where I haven't had to work much yet in my 22 years of life. Though there were already times I've felt overwhelmed, knowing that this is God's intention for me has been uplifting and worth working for. 

Stay Easy,

Will