My father is a high school Govt/Economics teacher in Texas. He is one of those great teachers who gives his lessons through story. I grew up listening to him regale his students with tale after tale of how our country came to be. As I went to college I had a professor who would have to dismiss class because he would not be able to compose himself after telling the story of heroes such as LaFayette and Lincoln. I had a great experience learning history and that has served me very well as a minister. I am at heart a storyteller. I love history and I love engaging with it.

Today, I engaged.

I am in Williamsburg, VA. One of the “perks” of my job as a campus minister is that I do not teach a daily class. That frees my schedule up so that I can join groups on class trips. Right now, I am with our band as they are preparing for a competition tomorrow in colonial Williamsburg. We spent the day in town and took a “hauntings” tour this evening. We had a grand old(e) time!

I have enjoyed my time with these students this week. On the 14hr bus ride here I spent some time with a number of students talking about the school year and where they want to take the school next year. Many of these students are thirsty for true spiritual development. Some of them have talked to me for an hour about their Bible classes, family life, and relationships. Then they quote “Family Guy.” I have a weird job. A wonderful, frustrating, rewarding, heart-wrenching, great, weird job.