taking a deep breath...

I have almost finished my time in seminary. Classes are over as of yesterday. There are still two big finals and a paper that stand between me and a graduate degree. And lots and lots of saying thank you and goodbye. I have more to say about this than I know how to write right now. I've been mulling several different blog posts for weeks now, but the pace of school hasn't given me enough time to sort them out in my head. Now, today, when there is nothing on my to do list, I find myself just needing to breathe. So, I'll only post a little bit.

One of the things I have continually been grateful for at Candler is the worship life in the community. It is a gift to worship two or three times a week with your friends, classmates, and professors. It is a gift to share with them in gathering around the table and breaking bread, knowing that is what sustains you...more than any knowledge you could ever formulate in a paper or exam. Lately, I've been just trying to relish being with this community in worship. I'll probably have more to say about that later, but for now, I'll just post words to a hymn we sang recently at the Sacred Worth Sending Forth worship service:

You Are Mine

I will come to you in the silence, I will lift you from all your fear. You will hear my voice, I claim you as my choice, be still and know I am here.
I am hope for all who are hopeless, I am eyes for all who long to see. In the shadows of the night, I will be your light, come and rest in me.
I am strength for all the despairing, healing for the ones who dwell in shame. All the blind will see, the lame will all run free, and all will know my name.
I am the Word that leads all to freedom, I am the peace the world cannot give. I will call your name, embracing all your pain, stand up, now walk, and live!

Refrain: Do not be afraid I am with you. I have called you each by name. Come and follow me, I will bring you home; I love you and you are mine.

Thanks be to God for that kind of love and grace!