Dear fellow brothers and sisters in Christ,
As anyone who looks over at me during class can see, I have a problem. I constantly fall asleep in this class. I wish I could say that this is a one-time problem this semester, but that is not true. This is an issue that has arisen both in high school and college.
I am a Type 1 diabetic, which means that in my case, when I was 11 months, my pancreas stopped producing insulin - which both breaks down carbohydrates in food, and regulates the normal bodily process. While I am well adapt in managing this disease, it is one that challenges me to be mindful that I must live a consistent lifestyle. Additionally, my battle with ADHD and additional learning faults, makes the classroom setting a place in which I must also be on the top of my game. As I have failed to maintain a healthy diet and consistent lifestyle this year at college, I have unintentionally left myself in a poor mental, physical, and emotional state for being passionate servant of Christ in the classroom, with friends, and with family.
Because the conversation with my mentor is deeply personal, I will do the best that I can to relate it: I was told that I am loved; that yes, I have failed; that I am made in God's image; that God still loves me; that God still has a plan for me; that I have choice to drown or call out for the unfailing embrace of my Lord and Savior, who has overcome the world.
I would like to apologize to both Dr. Schaller and the rest of you for my shortcoming in class, but relate that I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this class.
A fellow brother in Christ who has stumbled and fallen in his journey far more often than he would like to admit,
Grant Costakis
And to ease the worries: I am fine, I just have chosen that is time for a change, and was encouraged by the loving support of my mentor.
ReplyDeleteGrant,
ReplyDeleteI deeply appreciate your willingness to be vulnerable with your fellow brothers and sisters in christ. I found it very relatable that recently I had to be reminded in a very personal manner that I am loved, I have failed, but that I am made in Gods image and that He will never forsake me. Thank you for sharing!
Mason
Hi Grant,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing what's on your heart. Your willingness to be vulnerable is inspirational and I want to take this time to tell you that you are loved as a fellow brother in Christ. We all have shortcomings and desperately need to be reminded that we are loved by an omnibenevolent God. Love you brother!
Thanks,
David
Grant,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your honesty with us. It is encouraging to see how much you care about thriving in class. I want you to know that the insight you provide in our class discussions are helpful and thoughtful. Your blog posts have consistently been helpful, both to me and the rest of the class I'm sure. Best of luck to you with finals week and finishing out this semester!
Best,
Harry
Grant,
ReplyDeleteYou are an absolute stud. I was not surprised at the level of humility and truth that you shared in this post, because over the course of this year I've gotten to know you pretty well and see the great guy that you are. Keep on being the Grant Costakis that we know and love. Even if you fall asleep in class from time to time, I know Schaller still loves you and so do we as the class. I would now like to quote somebody when they said "Grant you are an absolute stud."
Love,
Max Gierke