The title is a play on the email recipient names that we have at SIMS, where I’m working this term. Har har. Now on to the real stuff.
As I said above, I’m working at SIMS, which is the IT/IM (information technology/information management) branch department of the University Health Network, or UHN. SIMS provides most of the technical backends and applications that run in the hospitals of UHN, i.e. electronic medicine ordering applications that you see routinely in the halls of Toronto General. It’s pretty nifty stuff. There’s also a metric tonload of co-ops working here (15+) and we all gather for social events, lunches, and whatnot. I get along quite well with some of them, so I’m seriously grateful. I’ve heard horror stories about other co-ops who have no one to really talk with because their coworkers are all old married people who can barely relate to them. All in all, if I were someone who defined my life by my work, I’d be proud to say I work here. Looking back on the crappy first work term that I had, it definitely prepared me for what was in store here. It’s the way of this world to always experience the bad so you know what the good is.
UW Winter Retreat was such an incredible blessing this past weekend. There were plenty of good times: fellowshipping with people I don’t get a chance to be with regularly, the laughter, the intimacy. There were also the bad times: sleeping in a subzero cabin and waking up throughout the night because of cold feet, having to actually yell ‘Bingo!’ [UWCCF thing], and wrestling with some personal issues. But most importantly, I’ve come to some important revelations both about myself, my expectations and my walk with God, and I’ve truly felt like I’ve matured as a result. I’m getting a better sense of the person I want to become, and this thought makes me glad. The problem remains, as always, with the execution. There’s just such a great divide between idealism and the reality. Still, I’m just a bit more confident and bold now… it’s only taken 19 years to get to this point. I believe that all three retreats that I have attended or will in the near future have prepared my mind for something truly grand in the years to come. I can’t help but picture myself as a dull sword slowly being sharpened into a focused tool of destruction love.
The speaker Jesse Surdrigo (sp?) at WR 2007 provided a great message that inspired me. While there were some questionable elements in his message that rubbed me the wrong way, he did have genuine heart and passion, and that will win far more to Christ than a heated theological debate ever will. Most applicable to me is the whole accountability aspect of what Jesse was preaching. I’ve never truly been a fan of accountability, as its very nature dictates that you expose yourself, faults and all to others who could potentially hurt you with that knowledge. And believe you me, I avoid pain whenever possible (except at the gym!). The one verse that I’ve seen repeated everywhere lately however, is Matthew 18:20 – ‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ (NLT) That, to me, is a sign. This is one of my goals for the new year. Jesse also mentioned that the only times he grew were when others challenged him, and I believe that is the same case for me. Many of the things I’ve accomplished are mainly out of competition with others, as bad as it sounds. To have friends (I hate the term accountability partners) challenge me and keep me aligned with my goals will help me reach new heights. And I’ll help them reach new heights too. I look forward to it.
To end off on a humorous note, the view at my office is pretty nice. Which view? Take your pick : )
