Journal Entry 8
April 28, 2008
I am very nearly in a state a disbelief that my first year of seminary is complete – or close to it (May-term begins after a breathing space of a week). Since last fall my life rhythm adapted itself into a whirlwind cycle of papers, reading, responses and finals: a normal seminary schedule. And I have loved it! I truly have. However, after two semesters of studying, I’m looking forward to the Sabbath of the summer months. I have worked hard, and I know I need sustaining rest.
One of my goals in seminary (and for any pastoral work I may do) is to learn how to avoid burn-out. Wendy Miller and company were trying to teach us exactly that in Formation in Personhood Two. The dilemma this semester was this: a demanding academic schedule of important, graded and credited classes vs. a 1-credit, pass/fail course about spiritual discipline. My first impulse was, of course, to prioritize the academic courses. Outwardly, they do matter “more.” But, academics will always be here, in front of me, always calling for my attention, always demanding perfection. My relationship with God is perishable. There is no hope in the academics if my connection to God breaks.
So that 1-credit class that I get no academic grade for was, on another scale, the most important class of the year. I learned the value of setting aside what seems imperative in order to do what is spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally nourishing. Boundaries, even in academics, are paramount.
I have learned so much this year. My mind has been stretched by more than just head-knowledge. God has answered my prayers from the beginning of the year in ways immeasurably more than I could have dreamed of. My passions to learn and teach are still present. But I think a good, long summer rest will do more to sustain them than the whirlwind of school and studies.
