The Campaign

Within an hour and a half, I will be hearing who makes the run-offs for the 2006 Texas A&M Student Body President Campaigns. What a journey it has been!

I can honestly say that there is not a nervous bone in my body. Instead, I know I served on an incredible team; kept my integrity; was blessed with amazing friendships; learned a ton about myself (and will learn even more in retrospect); passionately served a brother in Christ that I love deeply; and did all that I could to share the love of my Lord as I glorified Him in all that I did.

Did I make mistakes? Certainly. But did He succeed within me? All the more.

I praise my God and King for a great few weeks of extreme busyness, exhaustion, rain, sun, and work. I praise Him who grew these friendships that will forever bless my life. I praise Him who teaches me what honor is. I praise Him for shining His light out of me.

So, in an hour and a half we will hear what will come of thousands of man hours, a $1000 budget, one man’s dream, and a campaign that wanted to see it come true.

Whatever the outcome, God is glorified and I have no regrets. It was incredible.

http://www.picknicsbp.com

4.09.06: The End

Last Thursday night, I stood on A&M's Academic Plaza surrounded by 100 of the most hard working, passionate, and fun campaigners I will ever meet. These people did not come to college hoping to help a guy run for Student Body President. They never imagined themselves spending hours wearing t-shirts and holding banners as they marketed an incredible man. I'm certain they never planned on turning campus into a giant picnic complete with enormous baskets, tables, watermelon, sandwich, juice boxes, and a two-man kite. Few consider themselves politically interested or can even name the last three Student Body Presidents at Texas A&M. But all have one thing in common: they believe in Nic Taunton and the betterment of this university.

The managers huddled around each other as we stood amongst this throng of amazing friends. In that circle I stared at five of my heroes: individuals that surpass me in every talent and intellect I have ever boasted about.

We had spent every waking hour around each other for the last month. They had seen me excited, stressed, sad, or tired. And the Lord used these giants to teach me more lessons than I will ever fully comprehend. Through each one, I saw characteristics of my God.

From Bart I learned what it means to lead, support, and encourage a team. He showed me the meaning of loyalty, the power of optimism, and what tactful wisdom actually sounds like. If there is anyone I would ever jump at the chance to work under, it is Bart Howe.

From Olivia I learned what it means serve and then lead through service. She taught me the balance between efficiency and amusement... and that the lack of either will only bring utter failure. I learned from Olivia that my laugh is certainly not the best and that intelligence isn't nearly so impacting without such a brilliant heart.

From Micah I learned what it means to be a man of honor. He showed me the example of leadership influence and how the Lord can use it to do so much good. In Micah I found a friend, someone I know I will confide in for years to come, and someone I can always go to when needing direction and guidance.

From Liz I learned that great responsibility can only be handled with the support of others and reliance on God. She taught me patience and the importance of sifting emotion out of decision making. Never before have I enjoyed working with someone as much as Liz... who I would partner with on any task in a heartbeat. Tag, you're it.

And finally, from Nic I learned the strength of integrity and the desperate need to stand by it. He taught me the importance of never settling for less or manipulating any gain. Nic showed me that no passion should exceed the bounds of our values. It will always be known that his faith, his dreams, and his love for people are what guide this hero of mine. I can think of no better person to represent Texas A&M.

So, when we heard the announcement, we bursted with joy! The picture above barely begins to display the emotions that were overwhelming us (which explains the crazed expression on my face). Nic won.

I pray Your blessings upon him, Father. Be blessed!

B_OMLN, I dedicate this one to you. You are forever some of my best friends. Thank you for the last five months. Thank you for everything. I praise God for you.