Sous Chef Nick

The top definition of Plug on Urban Dictionary (a website for explanations of slang) is "A person who has everything you need." It is also typically used to refer to the person who gets you drugs or alcohol. Well, friends, let me tell you about my plug here at Purdue. Nick is my plug. He has long hair in a bun, glasses, and normally walks around in a hoodie. Now hopefully I've done a good job at pinning Nick as a stereotypical plug, but he isn't. He is my plug for empty Peace Tea cans. Of the 46 I currently have, I think 25-30 have come from Nick. I am proud to have Nick in my Bible study every week.

Christ in Nick:

1) Nick's faith is consistent. Obviously, nobody's faith is a perfectly flat line or always trending upward. I consider Nick's faith consistent because it does not rely on traditional holy seasons to take steps towards holiness. In the middle of Ordinary Time, Nick decided to fast for the health of the church. I think Nick's thirst for holiness is admirable and has caused me to reflect on how I can be doing more.

2) There's a lot of confusing ways to give. I question if I'm supposed to give my stuff, my money, my talents, my you name it. What I like about Nick is he gives through himself. The most obvious example is Peace Tea. He was already a Peace Tea drinker and when he got the opportunity to give to help my collection, he took it. When he tells stories, I find he does this often. He will give through his music or his gaming. I find that he brings himself to the Bible study and does not focus on what other people want to hear just how he can be himself in front of us. I need to learn that.

3) Nick makes conversations interesting because of his thought process. He is a well-thought-out man. I find discussions of no clear answered are always brought to a new, unthought-of perspective by his input. I wish everyone were a writer for this reason. When people think, their thoughts and experiences are bound to bring new perspectives and reflection writing forces you to do that. Nick doesn't need writing to have this thought process. It is inherent to him and I appreciate that.

4) Nick has genuine affirmations. I think that is a hard thing to do. He doesn't oversell it. He just tells you he thinks your baking is great (Emily's of course) or your Bible Study is well-run. It is simple and not forced. A top-notch quality in my opinion.

Nick:

Boy am I glad to have met you this year. You have taught me a lot, especially about praying for my discernment. You have shown me how to take steps in holiness and prayer when the Church doesn't call for it. You have also shown me how strong and attractive a quiet faith can be. I'm not sure if you will read this, but if you do pray for my humility because it is a virtue I struggle with that feels apparent in you.