A while ago, there was an upset in Hiwassee College's recently re-painted Rymer Dining Hall. It was not an overturned tray, a glass of spilt milk, or a dessert that tumbled to the floor. It was something far more disturbing. Donning maroon aprons, faculty and administrators met students as they entered to dine. The neophyte wait staff greeted them with words of welcome, carried students' trays, refilled drinks, delivered second servings, made sure students had plenty of desserts, and bussed dirty dishes to the dish room.

While performing our chores, I noted the students' reaction to this semi-annual activity. Some gladly accepted offers of service and delighted in having faculty and administrators respond to and fill their needs. Others students tentatively accepted the offers to be served. Still others refused the offers and stealthily backed away from the apron-wearing solicitors of assistance. Puzzled by what was occurring, more than one student asked, "Why are you doing this?"

One student's reaction was unique. Rather than accepting or refusing the offers, he moved to the apron supply, put one on, and joined in the serving! Now it was my turn to ask a question: "Why are you doing that?  We are supposed to be serving you." 

The student's response was immediate, "If you can serve others, so can I." Amazing!

We had some nomads on campus this past week. In fact, we have nomads on campus throughout the year. 

These Nomads On a Mission of Active Divine Service are retired United Methodists who spend a major portion of their retirement days serving others. Sometimes working as a couple, and sometimes as part of a team, they work on projects that make a difference -and then move on to another to do good in another location.

Paul and Joyce, our recent NOMADS, are regular visitors to campus. They travelled to Hiwassee after spending an extensive block of time at a Heifer Project farm in Massachusetts. While at Hiwassee, the duo painted the lounge and lobby at Allison Hall, one of our women's residences. We had several outdoor projects arranged, but they were washed out! They left today to go to a staging area in Louisiana, where they will work on packets and projects used in relief efforts following disasters such as hurricanes and tsunamis.

We are never too young, too mature, too important, or too busy - to serve!