Giving Birth

Graduating from seminary is like spiritual childbirth. I'm not going to register for anything or have showers thrown for me (nor do I want to!), but there are other similarities. I think Aimee taught me this when she told me she wanted to come to my graduation. I was surprised that anyone would want to, besides Michael and my parents, but it is logical in the sense that it has been a very important journey in my life the past four years. Thanks Aimee!

My classes this semester have been great, and surprisingly pertinent. My Isaiah module (2-week class at the beginning of the semester) helped prepare me for the Israel trip. My New Testament Evangelism course was a nice bookend to my degree and reminded me of the vibrancy of the early Church as the good news began to spread. It was also nice to reflect on Jesus' journey in the Gospels, which also helped prepare me for the Israel trip! And my Ministry of Spiritual Direction class also helped me see how a minister may act as a "spiritual midwife", assisting others in discerning how God is at work in their lives. This reminded me of the phrase, "May Christ be born in you," which is used in the Christmas season. I'm not sure where I'll be next week/month/year, but I feel very content and fulfilled about finishing seminary, and finishing well. The good news is that I know where I will be in the next 10 minutes. My mom and I are going hunting/gathering for a graduation dress. I have a few thrift-type stores I want to hit up. :)

I took this picture my first semester because I was so excited about the books and the learning. Still am, for some reason...what a geek.