Journal Entry 8
April 28, 2008
I know everyone says it, probably because its true, but it really is hard to believe that my first year is already over. I have completed a third, give or take, of a Master in Divinity. I hope that after the next two years, give or take, I will feel more worthy of that degree. I guess in a lot of ways the first year sets the groundwork and gets you into the mindset of ministry. In the next few years I can continue to build on that groundwork and deepen my understanding of and relationship with God as I look at ministry options.
Its hard to pinpoint what I have learned this semester. My mind is still spinning from the work and lack of sleep of the past few weeks. I don’t know that my way of thinking has changed completely, but I have been challenged to think differently. Classes like The Teaching Church, The Church in Mission, Christian Tradition I and II, Old and New Testament have deepened my way of thinking about the church and how I read the Bible. Formation in Personhood I and II have changed how I think about myself. Elementary Greek and Greek Readings have honestly been fun, and challenging, for me. It is meaningful to work through the Greek text and attempt to understand how the authors constructed the texts that bring us the message of God.
I also feel that I should impart some tidbits of advice for anyone reading this journal who might be attending EMS next year. First, always keep your reading logs as you go through the semester. And don’t try to do all of the reading in the last week of finals, especially for New Testament. Second, I know it doesn’t make sense, but pace yourself and spread-out the quizzes for Greek Readings over the whole semester. Finally, don’t complain too much about the class Christian Tradition. You really have it better than classes before you and it really is doable. Don’t worry though; there will be plenty of people to remind you of that.
But seriously, the people have made the difference for me. I really appreciate everyone--the office staff, the cleaning staff, the professors and especially fellow students--that have provided encouragement and support throughout this semester. They have made things more than just academic. And thank you for reading and joining with me in these reflections.
