Let’s start in reverse order,
Celebration:
After several years of studding various topics my sister graduates tomorrow (okay, its after midnight so it is today). Thursday was her “pinning” service. In the near future she will be taking the test(s) to get her license and then will start work and undergo more training as an ICU nurse. When she decided to peruse nursing she was told by someone that she would not be able to do it with two kids, that person was correct my sister did it with three wonderful children. I am so proud of her, and am glad she has chosen to use her gifts, talents and skills in ways that will help others. (If things had gone as I originally planed I would be graduating also around this time with my M.Div, as it is I have probably another 2-3 years or more left, maybe she will go for a BSN and we can both share a year in common)
A friend from high school is coming into the area to climb/hike South Sister. I have accepted an invitation to be part of this excursion. I am excited about this opportunity to experience this part of creation that I have yet to experience, and to do so in community. It will be a challenge, but I know it will be worthwhile.
Uncertainty:
Monday morning my dad and I will drive up to Seattle for my readmissions interview for STM, and then drive back afterwards. I received a letter from the other graduate program I am applying to stating that in two or three weeks I should hear back from them telling me if I am accepted or not. Thus at this moment in time I expect to be going to school this fall, either back in Seattle or in Ohio. However, at this moment in time I have not been accepted into any program.
Conflict:
When I started my graduate academic adventures in the autumn of 2003 it was my expectation that around this time of year I would be wear my third graduation gown in six years, (High school, Bachelors, Masters). Instead I ended up switching schools and restarting that pursuit in the autumn of 2004. Do to the events of the past year or so, that day seems to be far off. I expect that in order to get my M.Div I have at least two and probably three years of full time study left. (In part the length will depend on which program I end up in this fall).
While I know that I need to continue to study in this field that has grasped onto me. I wonder at times if do to the various delays I have encountered if I should switch to a shorter degree. Then after some time work toward further degrees. I also wonder if I am making the best choices. I wish I knew who I should be talking to about these decisions, but the names that come to mind are for the most part far away, and I want to speak to them in person, to share and reflect with them and to receive guidance from them.
As I look upon this future of unknown, I pause and ponder. I know that without the slightest hesitation if an opportunity came up for me to serve in Community of Christ in some capacity, I would accept it. In many ways I wish that there was some opportunity for me to serve that would allow me to serve the church full time for now and work on my degree part time. I think that it would be better for me to pursue my degree part time for a while and working in the “field” in one way or another. Though I doubt that is a valid possibility right now as the church is currently reducing the number of paid positions worldwide to create a sustainable budget. Yea I know, I choose a field with a limited number of positions, and am wishing to work in some way right when those numbers are getting smaller.
So my internal conflict is not much of one, as the options I have are limited, and thus mainly I must decided if I am to switch degrees to save time and future funds or not. As I do not really have a choice at this time between working with pastime school and school full time.
Ah the joys of life. . .
Peace be with one and all,
— Lyle II