And they're off!

It's almost time for another semester to start. I am keenly aware that I haven't done much* this January, and I am ready for classes to commence once again. I am taking a normal course load this semester, and the classes are exciting:
- Isaiah. This is my exegesis class, so bring on the Hebrew!
- Christian Education. An interesting class being taught by Jackie Nunns. It's sort of half reading class, half intensive study.
- History of Canadian Lutheranism & Ecumenism. I am always happy about another history class.
- Faith & Fantasy. Christianity through 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' and I think it's safe to say that the geek in me is quite content.
- Vocational Formation. The preparatory class for internship.

Ah, internship. I have become increasingly anxious. Not about internship, per say. I am, I suppose, more anxious about the unknown at the end of these next 3 months. I don't know where I am going for my CPE placement yet, and that makes the stress of internship high (because I need to have CPE completed in order to go on internship). And then, I don't know where I am headed for internship either. This makes for a very panicky me. As I am a "plan person," I want to be able to come up with plans for the next six months. Some of the factors haven't presented complete resolution yet, so I worry. I am trying not to.

So, looking forward to classes instead. And that trip to Edmonton.


*I've read three books, finished the "art project from the seventh layer of hell" (pictures to follow), managed the Residence and looked at trying to fill all the rooms, cleaned the apartment, written two CPE applications, planned for a trip to Edmonton next weekend, studied the course syllabi that I have and read the homework for Monday's class, been down to Regina for a visit, etc. Obviously, you can see it's not much. :)

The New Year.

I had a couple of interesting questions when I awoke this morning. What if I had never come to seminary? How would my life with God be different if I hadn't taken these classes and never read the things that I have read so far? Would I be as happy?

I suppose I ponder these questions from time to time because I see notable differences in the way I attend church, engage with people around me, and exist in the world as a Christian. I don't know if other people see changes in me too. It would have been interesting to have a created list of questions that I could ask myself at various times throughout this journey. I suppose I do in a way. CTEL has a survey for me to fill out every year, and there is always the faculty review that I did last year (and am sure to do this year). Somehow, these aren't getting me to a point where I can determine real and visible change.

Perhaps I should start asking people what they see that is different about me.

No resolutions this year. I haven't thought of a single one that will be kept the whole year. And I'm okay with that.