So here I sit, in a comfy recliner with my feet up, a full tummy from a supper I cooked, watching TV, with pie and wine waiting for whenever I want it … and I'm fighting the urge to "do something." These last three and a half months have gone as such a fast pace with no time to just do whatever that I'm not sure I know how to do "whatever" anymore. I haven't yet decided if that is a good thing or a bad thing.
My first semester of seminary is over. Before I left I had these grand visions of writing in my blog at least weekly to keep everyone posted on all of the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical challenges that I would be facing. Well, we can all see how successful that was! HA! Since I didn't quite manage a weekly reflection, let me do a reflection on the whole semester …
I can say that I think I've experienced every emotion imaginable: excitement, frustration, joy, sadness, confidence, humility, hope, and peace. I LOVE it! I learned so much … but right now, I can't think of a specific thing to write about just what. Mostly, I think, I've learned I have so much to learn (surely you saw that one coming). I've learned about the early Church and the struggles they went through to interpret the events that shaped their faith, the faith that still endures 2000 years later, my faith. I'm learning to listen to this 2000 year old conversation we call theology and understand that it can never stop. I've learned that chicken and rice must be the easiest thing to cook for large groups every night. I've learned I can listen to a professor even when his way of looking at scripture makes me uncomfortable and learn tons because of it. I'm learning ways to look at the more horrific parts of the Bible. I've learned to play God Save the Queen at the pub. I've learned that looking at Scripture academically and spiritually aren't mutually exclusive. I've learned that when I start each study session with the prayer "God, you brought me here and I need you to help me get through it" that it makes all the difference in the world. I've learned I can find a family in a varied and diverse group of people that were strangers to me four months ago. I've learned that coming home is a mixed blessing because even though I'm so thankful and excited to be with my family in Texas, I miss my friends at Wycliffe.
As always, I thank those of you who support me in your prayers and encouragement. I don't think I'll ever be able to communicate how much it means to me.
God's Peace,
Nancy
