The Big Event (in My Life)

In 1982, Joe Nussbaum, then Vice President of the Student Government Association at Texas A&M University, founded The Big Event as a way for students to say “Thank You” to the surrounding community for supporting A&M’s students. Mr. Nussbaum viewed The Big Event as a means for students to show their gratitude by completing various tasks at the area residents’ homes.

The Big Event is not about the number of jobs completed or the number of students who participate each year. Instead, the relationships developed between students and residents make The Big Event unique.

On March 23^rd, 2013, roughly 19,000 students volunteered to serve 1,850 community residents.

This year I have had the joy to serve on the committee for The Big Event. I wish I could even begin to explain how I have grown and what I have learned through this experience.

The most important thing that I have experienced is what it truly looks like to be an extension of God’s presence. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20). As believers, we accept the costly gift of Jesus’ sacrifice of His perfect life in order to ransom our hearts into His eternal kingdom. Once we have accepted this gift, our lives belong to Him. “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). As we belong to Christ and have been adopted as sons and daughters into the kingdom of God, we are reflections of His character. Once we have been justified through faith, we are constantly sanctified- made more and more like Jesus. In this there are incredible opportunities. In every circumstance, we have the opportunity to show God’s character to anyone that we come into contact with. Of course, we will not ever be perfect on this earth. But let this serve as a reminder to us that the title of “Christian” brings such great responsibilities and joys. Life may be full of blessings and sweetness, or it may be just chaos and frustration. Regardless, how we respond and react ought to always reflect our dedication and love to the Lord.

Something else that I have learned is the sweet difference between knowledge and experience. It is one thing to know God’s character and who He is by studying His Word. It is a complete other thing to experience who He is in and through various aspects of your life. In The Big Event, it is one thing to be expecting about 19,000 students to show up to a parking lot at 9:00 AM on a Saturday to serve the surrounding community; however, it is chilling to actually witness the spectacle. Sometimes the difference in these things is simply timing; but sometimes it is our own unwillingness or unavailability. It is enabling to all relationships- with friends, family, and God- to be available.

Next, I have seen such true joy by simple enjoyment in all situations. Your task or circumstance at the moment may seem insignificant, pointless, or maybe it seems life changing. Whatever it is, strive to enjoy it. Know that God meets you where you are. So get to know Him where you are in exactly what you are experiencing. Pour your heart out where you are, because God has placed you there for a purpose. Know that your role, whatever it is, is significant. “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God has arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose.” (1 Corinthians 12:17-18). Dedicate your service and the love to the concept of the object, not the title that you may receive. Do not participate to add to your resume or good standing because that is unsatisfying and will only be forgotten. Serve and love knowing that Christ has first served and loved you. “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Again, we follow Christ’s example. His love and service is completely selfless, He strives to bring glory and honor to God the Father. In accepting your role in where you are placed, seek to enjoy it knowing that God has purposefully put you there because there you are able to love, serve, and bring His name glory.

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.” –Psalm 100:4-5-