Kate Cook....

Is one of the first people I knew when I came to IWU. In fact, the first thing I heard at IWU when I checked in for NSO was, "Oh, your leader is Kate Cook. She's great." There's not been a day when she hasn't lived up to the proclamation. Sadly (for me, but happily for her), she is no longer here. But, she does visit on occasion. :-)

My emotions concerning Kate have been all over the spectrum over the course of time. As a freshmen, I was in awe of my fantastic leader. This awe turned (for a short period) into a crush. That too soon passed (not because she wasn't worthy of such feelings, but because I realized I was out of my league and moved on). As I got to know Kate better, I kind of started dreading our interactions.

Kate is a very beautiful person. She radiates God's light at all times and I was often intimidated by that. Even worse, her favorite question is, "How's your heart/ what's God doing in your life?" I had never been asked that before. I was a pastor's son, of course everything with me and God was fine and dandy. Why would anyone question that? (Could you tell that I have a problem opening up sometimes?)

Luckily for me, Kate is persistent and didn't give up on me. As I've matured (and I can confidently say this has indeed happened) I've come to appreciate Kate's intentional nature. When we talk, she helps me analyze myself and my attitudes. Last time she was here, she called me out on some attitudes I had. It was tough to hear, but definitely needed.

And so my feelings for Kate have indeed come full circle. I am constantly in awe of her example of what it means to be a Christ follower. She is one of the spiritual giants in my life and for that, I am glad. I 'm constantly amazed by the people God places in our lives and thankful He deigned to put Kate in mine.