Sandpaper Tounges and Nodding Off

I started this blog yesterday on the bus when I was supposed to be doing a "contemplative" exercise.  I "contemplated" on the bus and the train as I went to retrieve my car, realizing that I was not going to be finished at school until after the last shuttle left campus.  I gave myself an hour and a half to do that but realized that was not enough time due to traffic delays and waits at the shuttle stop and the train station.  What I've discovered is that the morning commute is much quicker than the afternoon commute.  I am only a block from the train station but have still chosen to drive there which seems somewhat silly being that I basically pull out of the driveway and make a u turn into the train station parking lot.  However, that is what I am comfortable with at the moment. 

Yesterday was a long day courtesy of my two new roomates Cuza and Inca.  They are my cousin's two Sphynx cats.  I have invaded their room and they are not too sure what to think of it.  Cuza seems pretty okay with it, he found a comfortable spot to rest upon my suitcase and was content.  Inca, however, had to explore this human invasion of his space from head to toe, many times.  He began his protest by crying very loudly and sounding quite like a baby who had just been pinched.  I ignored the cries and then he took to his exploration.  His nose is long and pointy and fits perfectly into my ear canal.  He explored my ear canal several times and inbetween I would feel sandpaper on my neck.  The last time I checked my clock the first night it was 1:40 AM.  I suppose she slept after that or I was just too tired to notice.  The sandpaper woke me up before the alarm went off at 6:00 AM and my first day began.

After a light breakfast the day began with a walk to Cannon Chapel where we would begin the day with worship.  The worship was awesome.  It was the perfect blend of the reverence of traditional and the joy of contemporary.  The energy was contagious.  I look forward to these experiences which I believe happen almost daily. 

Following worship there was a plenery session about thinking theologically.   Four professors took a passage of scripture and illlustrated how they would think about that passage theologically from their particular area of expertise.  A very interesting exercise, I believe.  I spent most of the hour and a half fighting the sleeplessness effects from the night before.  You know that moment when you feel like you are falling only to be stopped by the jerk of your nodding head.  Yep, that was me.  Fortunately lunch time gave me the opportunity to refuel and I had enough energy to engage in the rest of the day. 

The most helpful of the orientation thusfar were sessions today regarding the use of the library and a brief workshop on writing.  We were fed well again today and even given ice-cream.  They have let us know the feeding stops next week.  

I have read my first syllabus and began to feel a tad bit overwhelmed.  I've met many people.  I've reflected on the passage of scripture when Jesus tells Peter that he is going to make him a fisher of people.  A few things struck me as I reflected.  1.  Jesus used what was immediately available to him when he had a need.  2.  Peter immediately followed Jesus.  3.  Peter left all that he had.  Guilt came over me for not immediatley following God's call on my own life.  I sit here 30 years later just starting toward the realization of the dream.  I can honestly say though that I believe those 30 years have shaped me into a very different minister than I would have been had I not had the life experiences the last 30 years have brought me.  I believe when I've needed to, I have used what was immediately availalbe to me through the lay speaking program and the online ordination.  I feel guilt as well over my lack of faith shown by trying to find the easy way out, trying to avoid seminary all together.  I'm thankful for the pushes that I recieved.  I am excited to be living this dream.  

I can tell that this is going to be life changing in more ways than one.  It appears likely with all the walking that I am going to have to be healthier.  My friend, Marlboro, is not even welcome on campus so that is another plus. 

I think back on my first seminary experience and the friendships that were made and I look forward to the people this experience is bringing into my life.  

David has done well with the person who is caring for him this week and for that I am most grateful! 

Another "scholarship"  surprise came to me today through the major generosity of a friend.  I am feeling blessed, overwhelmed, tired and excited all at once.  Tomorrow afternoon I return home to NC for the weekend.  I'm ready to see my family.  I am ready to plug into them so that I have the energy for another week. 

Stay tuned......