Nathan Smothers and I met at
River City Roasters the other day. I
came in feeling super stressed about the summer. I had an interview over Spring break for an
internship that I really wanted and had not heard back yet. I was feeling very anxious and nervous about what
I would hear back. I expressed this to
Nathan, and he was very calming. He
expressed to me that I would be okay if I did not get this internship. He also expressed that there are many other
opportunities that are still available.
He even told me that he has connections in the business world that
sounded very intriguing. Nathan Smothers
said that ultimately God is in control of everything including my summer
plans. Nathan prayed over me
specifically my summer plans. I felt a
lot better after this meeting with Nathan.
The very next morning I received an email saying that the company wanted
to hire me for the summer. I believe
that the prayer from Nathan helped me get the internship I wanted. He guided me to give my summer plans to the
Lord. After I did this, the Lord
rewarded me.
Kobe,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, this story had me at "River City Roasters" - the ideal location for a heartfelt mentee-mentor conversation. It is awesome to hear that you treat these meetings with Nathan as more than just meetings with a friend, by taking opening up to him about your concerns, anxieties, hopes, and struggles, and ultimately lifting these concerns up to the Lord - the only one who can truly unburden us from the fear of being overcome by the trifles and failures of this world.
Similarly to you, whether it is through texts, or one on one meetings, I take my fears and concerns of the future to my mentor, who consistently calls me back to the truth that God is bigger than my battles, and shall not shy away from that which drags me down.
I am glad to hear that you got the internship, and love to hear that you are committed to the prayer life. My encouragement is nothing that you do not already know, but do not hold back from putting the same fervor you did into your request, into your prayers of thanksgiving for the internship that you have been hired to.
Kobe,
ReplyDeleteAnother great post, my friend. It was great to hear about you getting that internship because I know it has been something that you have been excited/anxious about for the last few weeks.
Part about being a great friend is "being there." The great philosopher Michael Schauer once told us a story from his marriage and he said that one of the greatest things that a man can tell his wife is "I will be there no matter what. I will be there." I cannot help but think of these wise words when I think of any relationship. It is really cool to see how Nathan is there for you and how he leads you.
I would love to chat with you about your last sentence for it seems like you may be going down the road of Joel Osteen prosperity gospel. I'll pray for you.
God bless.
Luke
Kobe,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, congratulations on landing the internship. I find your post both true and encouraging. I greatly resonate with your experience as I am now simply waiting to hear back from the internships I applied to. Like you, in these moments of uncertainty, I seem to always somehow be reminded of God's sovereignty.
Your story serves as a strong testament to the importance of having a mentor in one's life. Your experience with Nathan demonstrated one of best ways mentors help - simply be present to listen to the needs of their mentee. Before Nathan gave you his two cents, he listened attentively and shared what he saw as the best course of action you should take.
Once again, congratulations on being offered the internship and I wish you the best of luck this summer!
Kobe,
ReplyDeleteAs Luke said, "another great post, my friend." Kobe I'm glad you got that internship! Congratulations! I'm glad you have such an encouraging mentor. Your relationship with him sounds awesome and very beneficial. This is just a great picture of a God-centered mentorship and I'm proud to know you Kobe.
Yours Truly
Kobe,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the internship! I understand how stressful and unsettling applying for them can get and waiting to hear back is even worse. It's sometimes hard to trust in things that are out of your control. In life we feel we can control things, especially now because we're college students. But it's important to remember that we are never in control but the Lord is. I'm so glad that you were able to go to someone about your concerns and doubts and talk through it. I truly believe the Lord answered your prayers which just displays God's faithfulness.
-Jessica
Kobe, I am very glad you can have such a supportive and helpful mentor. He seems like he really gives you guidance and encouragement. I appreciate you honesty when you talk about how stressful it is when you don't have your future plans all set. I likewise struggle with this. Trusting the Lord and his plans can be difficult but I'm thankful that you find it relatively easy. I pray that you continue to trust in the Lord with all your heart and acknowledge him in all that you do, for He will make straight your paths.
ReplyDeleteKobe, its a great sign for you to get an internship this summer as it sets you up for the future. I know how stressful it was to not hear back from companies for internships and hoping that one would give you a chance over older students. Its encouraging to have someone who you can talk with and see how they were able to handle getting internships and what their experience was like. Keep up the good work and I cant wait to hear about how this internship will work in your life. God always has a plan, keep it up.
ReplyDeleteKobe,
ReplyDeleteI have heard mixed reviews about River City Roasters and have only been in the once, unfortunately the line was very long and I decided to pass on a cup of coffee. Is the coffee that great or is just a cool hangout place for Wheaties? I am glad you have a mentor that you are able to decompress your stress with and immediately be pointed to God for a solution. Congratulations on the internship, that is awesome to see Gods hand at work throughout that whole situation. Reading your blog entry has been a great reminder for myself to not be hestiatnt in going to prayer when it comes to big decisions and stresses in life. I often, in my human nature, feel like I can figure out all of life's road bumps and big decisions on my own. Thanks for a great entry
Kobe,
ReplyDeleteI have yet to try River City Roasters, but I have heard good things and hope to try it soon. I'm glad to hear the news about your internship. The power of prayer is stronger than we can imagine. Your post was once again an encouragement to me.
-Mark