By the Campus Ministries team
This week’s theme: Me & You & Working It Through
Recently Goshen College celebrated the inauguration of our 18th president, Dr. Rebecca Stoltzfus. During the inspiring inauguration ceremony the gathered community – made up of Dr. Stoltzfus along with GC faculty, staff and students, distinguished guests, alumni and friends – all joined voices together in singing the Goshen hymn: Teach Me Thy Truth (HWB 548):
Teach me thy truth, O mighty One,
From sin, O make me free,
Prepare my life to fill its place
In service, Lord, for thee.
Accept my talents, great or small,
Choose thou the path for me,
Where I shall labor joyously
In service, Lord, for thee.
Help me to show thy glorious way
That leads in hope to thee,
Till other souls their joy shall find,
In service, Lord, for thee.
Grant me thy grace for every task
Until thy face I see,
Then ever new shall be that joy,
In service, Lord, for thee.
This hymn text, written by Edith Witmer in 1937, speaks of the perpetual challenge of life for those who seek to walk in the way of Jesus: to be of service to others and to the world in ways that lead us all into greater joy. This week’s devotional theme, “Me & You & Working it Through” invites us all to step back and ponder how it is that we respond to the presence and power and mystery of God to “work it though” in this this world. “Working it through” is a reality that all embrace as we make our way through life, making decisions about everything from vocation to where to live to how to care for creation. It is about each of us, as individuals. But it is also about each of us as we make up part of the collective. The community. The Body of Christ in the world. It calls to mind the passage in Philippians 2:13 at the conclusion of the Christ Hymn that boldly states: It is God who, for God’s own generous purpose, gives you the intention and the power to act. (NJB). In every task, may we be empowered by God’s own joy-filled and loving Self to act for the good of all. And may we join in the Goshen Hymn with conviction and passion: Grant me thy grace for every task until thy face I see, Then ever new shall be that joy, In service, Lord, for thee.
*To be further inspired, explore more about the recent GC Inauguration