By Dave Carner | Contributor
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I was recently asked "What do Taylor staff wish the students knew?" I had no hesitation in my first thought: it is a joy and honor to do my part on your behalf because of the young men and women you are. There is an opportunity here at Taylor unlike anywhere else to place Christ at the center of all you do and learn. This is evident in your lives. Your smiles and "thank you"s speak of your kindness and have a wonderful impact on my day. Some of you have gone so far as to write notes to me. Wow, thank you. God shows graciousness to me through you. Thank you for allowing him to do that.
It is a good day when I get to fix something-I really enjoy that. Sometimes I get to share in a conversation with you, which is also wonderful. I do have a few frustrations in this job: whether you are messy or orderly by nature, cleanliness on your part makes my job easier. It is important you know I can't always correct a problem, because sometimes it involves something bigger and requires budgeting. Budgeting is an unfortunate part of life. Sometimes I am not skilled enough to fix a problem on my own, and someone else has to be scheduled to repair the problem. This helps keep my ego in check! It is my goal to keep the facilities I am responsible for functioning and looking nice. Thank you for your patience with me, as I have a lot to watch over.
One of my biggest frustrations in life is disrespect, where little or no care is given to how something might impact others or end up destroying property. All of us are subject to the fallen state of humanity. I have bad days too, but please keep in mind how your actions will affect those around you. I am also frustrated by my inability to remember your names: you deserve better, and I apologize for my shortcoming on that. How amazing is our God, who knows each one of us so personally, even to the minutest points like the hairs on our heads and the thoughts of our minds? I am in total awe.
Here are a few ways that you students can help my work. Please notify me of changes in sounds, appearances and functions of the facilities in your dorms or apartments. Quite often you will notice things long before I do. This allows me to address a problem before it becomes a real issue, which typically makes it easier to fix. Please be moderate in your temperature settings on heating and cooling. Ask me if you're unsure how to change settings on thermostats, ovens, washer, dryer, etc. It's a pleasure for me to help you learn about this part of your new college independence.
Keep modeling Christ in all that you do. When you fail-and you will-get up and go after it again. Grace is the greatest gift, whether given or received. I will say it again: you make my job so enjoyable. Thank you!
