Tuesday, December 25, 2007

It has been much too long. Let me begin with one word: crazy. This past semester, which ended last Friday, has been the most maddening form of Academic Indulgence I've ever experienced. Not one of the 26 of us has ever been pushed so hard, I reckon. Myself included.
But like I tell the folks here as I describe our mind-boggling, jaw-dropping curriculum to them: the experience has been incredible, the amount of knowledge I've acquired is staggering, and I couldn't have done it without help and support from home...mainly, keeping me sane and keeping me with a life beyond school.
My writing had a take a step back, but was never forgotten. In my last week of school, I felt my characters coming back with friendly, patient greetings, waiting for me to return to them, to bring my experiences of the past 5 months (school and beyond) into them. I am astounded by the convoluted mess I have made of my Origin series. 5 months of absence, and I return to a bunch of stories that I can make no head or tail out of because I kept copying and pasting the same things here and there, hoping to be able to recycle material in new contexts.
Took me 2 hours to sort everything out and delete stuff so I won't be confused. Jessie made a very good, very practical and sensible suggestion: keep notes. Duh, why didn't I think of that? I do keep notes...just not the best of note-keepers.
As for stuff I've already finished. They're waiting. Waiting for their time. I can't wait to see Mike and Mary in about a week, and ask them about the script and the filming. There is a time and place for everything, and you never know watch'ya gonna get.
This semester hasn't been easy. For me, for many people. Nobody said medical school was gonna be easy, on top of all the other things that have happened. Bottom line after all this, 5 months down the road, 7 more semesters to go, I trust in the strength I have been endowed with. I trust not in myself, but in the things beyond me, of which I cannot understand, but which have always shadowed me faithfully, with goodness, peace, and fortitude.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus......whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is anything of virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things. Philippians 4:6-8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not upon your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6