It’s true folks, home stretch for reals. Tomorrow morning I will take my systematic theology exam (ready or not!) and then I will be officially done with my first year of seminary. This will be a short post since I really do need to study a lot more, but I am taking a brain break and was thinking of all the lovely people who are supportive of me. (Thanks guys!)

This has been an emotional roller coaster of a semester and I can’t wait to get home. I wish I could say it was going to be a restful summer; but at least it will be a summer in Maine! I start CPE at Maine Med next Monday. I am exhausted, emotionally and spiritually so I will be searching for ways to find refreshment in the midst of a busy schedule. But I think that is one of the life lessons we all need to learn!

I was reading one of my favorite blogs today (Sheila’s Feel Good Blog.) It is written by a female Anglican priest in England. She wrote about those “Phew” moments that help you recognize the gratitude in your life. (As in “Phew! Something really bad almost happened, but it didn’t.”) She had several examples of little “phews” from the last week. As I reflected on my last few weeks I didn’t find any of those “phews” but that only led me to recognize the bigger gratitudes. I am alive and healthy. I have a roof over my head and food to eat. I have people who love me. I am pursuing a vocation ordained by God. I am blessed.

Even when all the little things feel overwhelming and too big to bear, I can fall back on the assurance that I am beloved by God. I know that “this too shall pass” and until it does, God is there.

Now if only God would see fit to send someone else to come take my systematics exam for me! 🙂

Back to it!

With love and gratitude,

Audrey