The Pruning Season
I’ve been thinking about the notion of pruning a lot the past several weeks as I prepare to transition from 30 years at Lynchburg College to a new life in Richmond to be closer to family. Leaving a community I have grown to know and love so much feels a bit like taking off a branch from the family tree.
I’m reminded of this idea daily as the shrubs and bushes in front of Spiritual Life have recently been cut back and pruned to make way for new growth. Similarly, the residence halls by Shellenberger are being “pruned” back in a major way as the demolition of McWane will allow for the construction of a much needed and updated student living space and home for the Westover Honors College.
After sharing my decision with colleagues, administrators, and students to “prune back” and retire from Lynchburg College, we were free to imagine new and creative ways to offer services through both Spiritual Life and the Bonner Leader program. As a result of the dreaming and scheming, planning and preparing, much new life is taking shape in both areas.
I am already very excited about two new staff members recently hired who bring with them amazing skill sets, vibrant spirits, and many personal gifts to contribute to the community.
A quick Google search of the new Associate Chaplain, Nathan Albert, will reveal “….a pastor, husband, preacher, father, and storyteller. He is the author of the viral blog post, I Hugged a Man in His Underwear, which was the impetus for his book, Embracing Love: My Journey to Hugging a Man in his Underwear.” If that brief description doesn’t capture your curiosity and make you want to learn more, nothing else will! I honestly can’t wait to see what will happen when Nathan begins to explore all the ministry opportunities that await him.
Another gift to our community is the new Coordinator of the Bonner Leader Program, Katie Berry ’13. I have known Katie since she was a student and Bonner Leader herself. As an alumna, Katie brings a deep love for the college/university, a knowledge and appreciation of our values and traditions, and great ideas for moving the program forward as it has now expanded from a two year to a four year model. I can’t imagine the program or the students being in better hands.
In leaving Lynchburg College, I feel both grief and gratitude. The pruning which involves ceasing daily interactions with dearly beloved friends brings sadness and loss, to be sure. But as I envision the possibilities for Nathan and Katie to enrich and enliven the community with their unique gifts and contributions, I can’t help but be grateful. How thankful I am to know that the work of Spiritual Life and the Bonner Leader program will thrive in new and spectacular ways, thanks to their leadership and service. I know that this community will welcome them warmly and wholeheartedly, just as you all have for me in countless continual ways over the years.
Peace, Anne