So many of my junior class are here for the thrills of the Summer Greek adventure at LTSG. One quiz down,6 quizzes and 2 exams to go, but who's counting? During our first day together there was a opportunity for each person to share where they were from, a little bit about their journey thus far. Pipeliners, and some of us not, fro all across the country, men and women, different faith backgrounds. Many of us running from getting here for quite awhile; others who always knew, heard and obeyed. Learned a new phrase "genetic Lutheran" which I guess has replaced "cradle Lutheran."
There were a couple of common threads. Everyone clearly is moved and energized by serving God's church- no one is here because it was something to do. Everyone sensed that once he or she decided to embark upon this journey, obstacles fell away, doors opened, the path was made clear. Having the opportunity to hear alot of the same thoughts and experiences that have been kicking around in my head and world was frankly a relief. And a blessing.
While we are and will be diverse when it comes to approaches and opinions, and we will be scattered across the country like seeds in the wind, I hope that the faces we meet here will be lasting connections and a collective resource for all of us.
In the meantime, it will be back to Greek and getting ready for the fall term.
And I sense that there will be times of introspection, challenge and refining.
Each morning I use For All the Saints as my resource for morning prayer. Today's prayer seems apt for the coming week:
This week we may be given challenges instead of ease,
courage instead of contentment,
opportunities instead of rest,
But we have a Savior who brings
strength out of service,
faith out of struggle, and
victory out of defeat.
Go then, fear nothing,
sure that in everything we are held secure
in the Master's steadfast love.
Amen.
E. Lee Phillips
4 comments:
Good luck with Greek.
And you will make connections with people that will last a long time. Enjoy your time in seminary; soak in everything you can but don't forget to have some fun. God bless you and I look forward to hearing more about your journey. Take care.
Exciting to read!
On Tuesday I will begin my final year of seminary instruction. I remember very well those first few days of summer Greek as if it were yesterday.
In my three years thus far I have made several lasting friendships, and met so many interesting people.
As Eric said, enjoy it, soak it all in, and have fun. Before you know it, you will be a senior reading the blog of one who is jsut beginning.
Thanks guys!
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