As finals week draws near I am amazed that my first semester of seminary is almost over. The time has flown by and I have much to be thankful for. First and foremost I am thankful to my family who have endured major change in their life over the last 3 months. I am indebted to my cousin Jessica and her husband Donald who provide me with shelter when I am in Atlanta. I was grateful before but my gratefulness expanded this week when Jessica was sick and I stayed in Woodstock with my Aunt and Uncle. This had been my original plan and I am so thankful that they suggested I ask Jessica and Donald about staying with them. I always love my time in Woodstock. It's comfortable and familiar. The Side porch is a place of Solace and the setting of many great conversations and a lot of fun. However, my Woodstock experience has been limited to the immediate vicinity of Woodstock. Any adventures outside of Woodstock toward the Atlanta area have always afforded me a chauffeur and no anxiety. This week changed that as I ventured to Emory via I-75 with the goal of an 8:00 AM arrival. I learned this meant leaving between 5:30 and 6:00 in the morning. I am not one that minds long drives. I have learned to appreciate the time as time to catch up on reading through audio books or to catch up on phone calls or to just be quiet and listen. However, none of that is possible when you are traveling I-75 between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM or between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. All senses must be on alert. There are cars to your front, to your left, to your right and to your rear. There are cars in your mirrors and in your blind spots. Looking for your blind spots means taking your eyes off the car in front of you which is liable to stop at any moment. That kind of intense, careful driving, I am not made for. I have a new appreciation for My Uncle who does this dance every day. My dance card is full thank you very much.
I am also in deep appreciation to my Uncle Stan who is taking care of David 50 % of the time and that has turned out to be a blessing in many more ways than one. His patience, understanding and skills can not be matched and have made an impact on all of us.
My parents are present to pitch in for David and have rescued my dilemma of child care finals week as Stan is going on another mission to Cuba which I would never ask him not to do. that is his Passion, he must live it.
My housemate and best friend of 19 years has been the super trouper having her life altered completely through no choice of her own. She has been there to find solutions for my kinked up back as my body adjusts to doing things differently, she has provided financial support and she has been patient with me when all she gets to see is the back of my head staring at a computer for days on end.
My brothers and sisters tolerate my I'm bored and need to talk to somebody calls when I am traveling.
Friends have been supportive both financially and emotionally.
I have been blessed with new friends for the journey as well.
I have a greater understanding of the Old Testament with a professor rich with passion. I have a new found interest in archeology. I can actually read philosophy and understand it a bit better. I have had a blast studying intentional communities, and I better understand why I am committed to and have a love for the United Methodist Church.
I find myself still puzzled about the Global Church with my mind in tension between love and relevance. I find myself intrigued by all the different worship practices I have been exposed to.
While I am looking forward to the month long break for my mind, I am also anxiously anticipating the next part of this journey. My focus from December-January will be on my ordination candidacy and getting through that work book so I can get my psychological done. That will be my vocational focus. My primary focus will be lots and lots of time with my family! I can't wait!
