Part of the weaving that happens on a college campus is when the mantle of leadership is passed from student to student, year after year. Some newly installed student organization presidents inherit binders of instructions with timelines, budgets, and contact lists. Other student leaders are asked to make something out of nothing. Moses left instructions that his successor, Joshua, could follow. Well done, Moses!
But the true constant in the shift of leadership was God. Joshua, like Moses, had a major task ahead – to lead people out of the desert and to the promised land. Luckily for Joshua, he had a constant companion. He was told, “Do not be alarmed or terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” What a relief he must have felt to know that while he was picking up the mantle of leadership, he did not do so alone.
We are halfway through another academic year. Leadership roles will be passed along soon. What will your legacy be? What will be your part to weave into the tapestry of your context? Will you love God? Will you love your neighbor? Will you love yourself? Perhaps you can be braver and stronger in your work while knowing that God is with you, and that you do not do the works of love and justice alone.
Gracious God, help me rest in the assurance that you are with me. Magnify the gifts of bravery and strength within me, so that I can better love you, my neighbor, and myself. Amen.
Rev. Beatrix Weil
Chaplain, Rhodes College
Words for Waiting 