So what have I learned? I won't bore you with details of theology or minutiae from baptist history nor would that be particularly productive for me...that's what finals are for right? I've learned that the most difficult part of seminary is not the amount of reading or writing that is required but is finding a balance between a growing personal relationship with the Lord, family, school, and work. It should be in that order but it did not always work out that way for me. There is a very real yet subtle danger that facts of theology or the Bible will suffice for spiritual growth and that time is not needed to spend alone with the Lord. At times I tried to rationalize that I will get more time once I'm finished with school but the Lord quickly convicted me that if I don't do it now when I'm busy then I won't do it when I'm out and get busy. Like most people, I've had stretches when my time was consistent and others when it was more sporadic, but I am at least aware of the danger and have good friends to hold me accountable to seeing that this area is not neglected.
Goal for next semester: More consistent bible reading and personal time for prayer
Second, I have learned that God really does provide. For most of the semester I have been working two jobs (Chick-fil-A and UPS) which have helped to meet our needs but also have served as an obstacle in obtaining balance. I recently have put in my notice at Chick-fil-A and my last day will be May 16th. The reasoning primarily is that my summer class schedule will not allow me to continue working there but I'm also looking forward to not having such a demanding job. I have a whole new level of respect for workers in the fast food industry. The amount of physical and mental energy that is expended there is tremendous. I have had more physically demanding jobs and more mentally demanding jobs but none that combined the two like fast food. Additionally, I have completed my first step in becoming a PT supervisor at UPS. Should this go through, it would provide the necessary income to meet our expenses. However, it does come with a sacrifice, particularly at home. I never get to put Luke to bed except on the weekends and I don't get to participate in evening activities at a church or on campus. All in all, it is a good job and the Lord is using it to teach me many lessons (humility, attention to detail, submission to authority, etc).
Third, I have learned things from class beyond just facts and figures that have challenged me and provided opportunities for growth. From my theology class I have gained a new appreciation for God's creation and our responsibility to care for it. One of God's primary methods of revealing Himself to the world is through what He has created and it is our responsibility to recognize that and to preserve it for future generations. That is not to say I have become a card-caring member of the Sierra Club. We have also been given dominion over the earth but as Peter Parker's (a.k.a. Spiderman) uncle says, "With great power comes great responsibility." From Baptist History, I have gained an appreciation for the Church at-large (not just Baptist churches). I've come to realize that I have held been pre-disposed against the church believing that it is flawed and should be discarded in favor of something new. What I'm coming to realize is that, yes, the church is flawed but it is what it is and the Lord continues to us it. I think there is room for much needed reformation but perhaps not abandonment as I have previously believed. From my New Testament class I have realized that there are a whole lot of people out there with weird views on Scripture! Things that seem obvious to me (such as the author of certain books or the destination of Ephesians...it says Ephesus right?) are questioned by academia. As a note, Southeastern holds to traditional views of authorship and destination but the fact that they are even in question seems to me that some people think they are smarter than they should be.
Finally, I am thankful to be here. The Lord has placed us in wonderful location and has given us good friends. Recently, I have been struck by the blessing it is to be pursuing higher education in light of our global environment when so many people feel blessed just to have an elementary education. I hope to not lose sight of this fact and begin taking for granted what I'm doing, or worse yet, complain of how hard it is. Thinking thoughts of God and gaining the tools to study His word should not be gained easily. The things in life that are gained easily and quickly are just as easily and quickly forgotten. If you seek her (wisdom) as silver and search for her as hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God." (Pr. 2:4-5).
So, just a few insights into my semester. I'm anxiously awaiting the end as well as the beginning of summer classes and the the fall semester.
Matters of Prayer:
- Balancing all my responsibilities
- Protection and peace for my family
- Employment: Ultimately a supervisor postion but in the mean time a job where I can work and study at the same time
- Growing meaningful friendships
- Direction on finding a church home
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