End of the Semester

The days are shorter, it’s freezing cold outside, and the castle is beginning to empty. All of this can only mean one thing—it is the end of another semester. Each semester, I attempt, in some way, either in my private journaling or in the form of a blog, to reflect on all that has happened since the beginning of the semester. Usually I come up with a theme—this time, all I can think of in regards to this semester is—“weird”.

This semester has been weird because I’m a senior. It’s weird hearing the freshman talk about classes that I took “so long ago”. It’s weird finishing up my senior paper and turning it in. It’s weird meeting with your academic advisor for the last time. It’s weird getting emails about renting your cap and gown, and getting a degree audit done. It’s weird knowing that in just a matter of months, this castle I’ve called home for quite some time now, won’t really be home anymore. It’s weird looking to the future beyond this place—but, it’s beautiful.

When I first entered seminary at the age of eighteen, fresh out of high school, the thought of going to school for eight years seemed—well, horrible. But, the many wiser than myself—family, friends, priests, and brother seminarians—assured me that this time would be the best in my life, but it would go fast. Almost four years later, I sit in my room and realize they were right.

Didn’t I graduate high school just last month? Wasn’t I moving into my 8x8 cell upstairs just last week? Time is an odd thing—there have been times when it felt like a day was as long as a week, but now, I simply can’t believe how quickly time has escaped me.

This semester has gone by so fast. This semester I’ve had the opportunity to meet European royalty, continue learning German, attempt to learn Greek, develop new friendships, see dear friends get married, and so much more. And, while all of that is great, none of it was the “best” thing that has happened—none of these things can hold the title of “most important” by themselves.

This semester has been weird. It’s been crazy. It’s been different in more ways than any other semester I can recall. But, above all, it has been blessed.

This semester, I have seen God at work in my life and the lives of others in so many new, sometimes confusing, yet profoundly beautiful ways. I’ve become more and more aware of how He acts in my life. I’ve become more aware of the gifts He has given me, and how to use those to glorify Him. I’ve learned more about who I am, and who He wants me to be. I’ve become more comfortable “letting go and letting God”—more comfortable than I ever have been. I’ve become even more confident in showing that I am a man of faith in all that I do, and not caring all that much what others think about it, because my faith makes me who I am. I feel clearer in my mind and in my heart than I’ve ever been about what God’s plan is for me, and want nothing more than to live out that plan.

Okay, when I set out to write this, I thought it would be a little more detailed, but it’s not. And I’m fine with that. Some things, I guess you just have to keep in your heart.

In all, this semester has been weird. It’s been fast. It’s been…a lot of stuff. But it’s been blessed. It’s been blessed because I’m a better man now than I was when I walked in here in August. It’s been blessed because I’ve seen growth not only in myself, but in my brothers as well. It’s been blessed because God has allowed it to be so, and I pray that He keeps doing just that.

As far as college seminary is concerned, I’ve only got one semester left. I’m looking forward to Christmas break—a chance to relax, de-stress, and recharge. But, I’m also looking forward to coming back and continuing down the path that I feel God has chosen for me—a winding path that isn’t always clear, but never ceases to amaze me.

In all things, may God be glorified.

Amen.

#seminary