How has seminary changed me?

So, I was thinking about the world this week, the terror, the hurt, the pain.   It made me reflect on my past 2 years in school and how it has changed how I view life.

Seminary is not for the faint of heart, it is a constant pull on your faith, your brain, your life.  But, I must say that it has made me weaker at times but as a whole it is transforming me into a stronger person.

I at times have wished that I would have done this about 10 years ago.  That would have given me more time for school.  But, I do think that more time for school would have given me to much time to think.   Honestly.

I am glad that my world is full.  I am glad that I am doing this schooling with a husband, with children, with friends who are outside of my schooling.  I think if I would have done this 10 years ago I would find myself trapped in a world of Theology.  I would think to much.

 I have a love/hate relationship with the time that school takes. The readings are deep and at times  rock my world.  But, I can't stay in that place.  I have the opportunity not only to be a student, but also to be a wife, a mother, and a friend, serving a local church.  It gives me perspective on what I am learning that I would not have had 10 years ago.  I get the opportunity to read things from the perspective of

•  a mother
•  a person who allows myself to questions faith and religion
•  a wife
• a friend
• a person who is currently serving a local church

These perspectives make me get of of the deep pool of theology and live my life.

Now, I am in no way saying that the students in school who are young and single are being cheated.  They are not at all.   They are doing this in the time that is right for them.

Yet,I am thankful for the study time at the soccer practices that gave me great in site of others who are not in class with me.

I am thankful for the questions and conversations that happen when I am at the baseball fields watching a game.

I am thankful for the moments when I talk with my children about faith and theology.  They keep me real.

I am thankful for Mr's perspective on my class topics.

I am glad that I am doing this when I am 36 and my life is crazy full.  It is in this fullness that I am getting so much more out of school.

Ok, I have a paper to write and I need to get it done so that I can watch a movie with my family tonight.

So, how has seminary changed me?

Simply....when I see tragedy, I also now see hope.  In darkness I see light.   Some days that light is brighter than others, but I now look for it.

P.S.- oh and I totally know the definitions of: exegesis, transcendence,apocalypticism,  Documentary Hypothesis, and so many other words that I don't really use in my 'real' life.  I also know who Bart, Kierkergaard, Aquinas, and other people who I never really knew existed.  ;-)