like a kid on christmas

last night i found a package on my doorstep that i thought i would have to wait far longer to receive. after doing a little happy dance on the front porch, i shoved the box inside to open later and headed off on my way. what patience--for when i returned i ripped it open and excitedly thumbed through each brand-new, FREE book i received from Zondervon, the Bible publishing company. finally i have a job with perks! for completing a Bible sales training program, i received a hundred dollars of free goodies, plus a free Bible. so, as i was saying, i was as happy as an eight-year-old (or my eighteen-year-old brother even still) on Christmas morning. i was practically salivating over my big, thick, delicious, free NIV Bible dictionary--I may never need wikipedia again.

and in the midst of all the excitement, I thought to myself, "yes, I need to be a seminary student"

if drooling all over a Biblical dictionary doesn't qualify you for div school studies, i'm not sure what does.

fortunately for me, my pastor was willing to meet with me today and discuss a few options for schools, and thoughts about degree tracks and vocational oppourtunties. He was advising the MDiv over the MTS (master of theological studies), advice which I think I will take. More options, more ministry-oriented goals. He also tuned me in to the benefits of one particular city, Boston (KG--here I come?!?) which has a network of eight theological schools. Pretty sweet resources, no? Boston U. is a Methodist institution, so it's definitely worth looking into. And speaking of Boston (which is where he studied), he encouraged me to think about going to school further away, in a exciting big city. Now's the time to do it, and I can settle roots back in NC one day, if that's where I end up. And hey, if that's one more legit reason to put a 'con' on the Dook list, I'm all for it ;)

(I'm going to have to stop making those jokes soon if I apply there...who knows whether admission reps are into checking facebook pages and blogs these days. )

And perhaps the most encouraging thing of all was the fact that my pastor himself entered div school with a completely different career goal in mind. That sure is something that spoke peace to my heart. I think I'm narrowing down my focus a bit more (teaching Bible to secondary schoolers is still high on the list) but who knows what could come out of left field? Maybe God Himself is waiting to speak a clear path to me until I dig into the course work and experience the ministry internships. He certainly spoke in that manner (with a resounding 'no') this summer with my false-start job in KY.

so now the work begins again. admissions essays and reference forms, campus visits and scholarship searches. but I have such peace that God will make things right in His time, and I'm so thankful to be along for the ride!