twenty-three

Ahh, the academic break. What a wonderful thing. I don’t intend to gloat to my fellow working world friends out there, but after a year in the "real" world, it is much better to be back on the academic schedule. Winter break was quite nice.

And now, it’s really good to be back. I’m just getting home from the first INN of the quarter. We had a great night and it was very exciting to see all the students again and catch little bits and pieces of their Christmas stories. It’s funny to think that about 4 months ago I felt like I didn’t know a soul on Tuesday nights, but now familiar faces pour through the double doors of the church and I see the joy of a healthy community.

I’ve noted to some people lately that I experienced a little up and down over the break, wrestling with some questions I’ve had about how faith and criticism play out together. I think that I’ve unfortunately let some of that overshadow some of the important reflection that I could have done over the break, thinking about what God had taught me in my first quarter of full time ministry. I was encouraged tonight when I saw all of the students of our community. I wrestle with my faith not only for personal introspection, but also so I can continue to have an authentic faith that is a part of an active community of people. I felt pulled back into this community tonight and excited to see where my processing will lead as God directs this next chapter.

It is good to be back. I feel like I’ll probably say that for a while, each time we start up again after a break. That’s probably a good indicator that I love my work, I love the people I spend my days with, and that God is using me in a positive way.

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