My 21st First Day of School

This morning I begin my 21st first day of school as a student.  If my years teaching second grade and Kindergarten were included it would be my 26th first day, but who is counting?

When I graduated with my first masters degree I joked with my friends that I was done being a student "forever".  I guess God had the last laugh on that one.  If I have learned anything, it is that I will no longer make grand and final pronouncements about my future.  I realize now that I am not the one in charge of the direction of my future plans.

During the convocation service last night, President Barnes noted that we are standing on 203 years of history at Princeton Theological Seminary.  The ones who have come before us here have literally paved, and paid the way for us to be here studying today.  While he noted that we are standing on the shoulders of those who have come before us, I reflected that I am here supported and loved by so many brothers and sisters in Christ who have touched my life and my spiritual journey.  I have such gratitude for those who have answered questions, led by example, loved and supported me, and opened doors to opportunities beyond my wildest dreams.  There is nothing that I could have done to deserve such love, so I have come to the conclusion that I am the recipient of God's grace.  The people in my life have been the hands and feet of Christ in my life, and I will be forever grateful.

When Steve and I arrived at our apartment complex last week, we had not been here 10 minutes when our neighbor across the parking lot approached Steve and let him know he had rescheduled an appointment to help us unload our truck.  Our neighbor across the hall, who had brought in a package that had arrived for Steve before we did, also came and helped unload the truck until we were completely done.  Not to mention my long time friend, and college roommate Krista Beth who came from her home 40 minutes away and stayed ALL DAY to help us unpack.  We would realize later in the day that it was the 13th anniversary of the day we met - unpacking and getting settled as freshmen at Ithaca College.  Grace; grace we could not have possibly imagined or deserved.

Steve joked after our first couple of days on campus that it was like being in Canada, only friendlier!  I joked back that they aren't Canadian, just seminarians.  This is the community that we are blessed to be a part of for the next three years.  President Barnes also noted during one of our orientation sessions that there is a reason they don't have an online M.Div program.  It is impossible to experience "in your pajamas in your living room" what we experience living here among others for three years.  Our neighbors and classmates are on this journey with us, and although we come from across the world, and we have different theological viewpoints and backgrounds we are learning to be the community of Christ together, while respecting and celebrating our differences.  

I am humbled and grateful to be here.  I intend to make the most of every moment I have as a student surrounded by this supportive and loving community of Christ.