I've been
waiting for my summer intensive class to begin.
Today was the day! It’s a class
about Episcopal Worship, where we will become more familiar with the theology
of our liturgy. I had a different
expectation for the class. I was
expecting more training towards how to do liturgical ‘things’ at the altar, so
I was surprised a bit when I found out it is more about the theology and
history of the liturgy. It’s fascinating
stuff.
Because it is a class that only meets four days a week for
three weeks, it’s intense. The daily
homework is significant. I was only
partially prepared for this part. Now, I
navigate. How do I get it all done? With the help of the people I live with, for
one. They will take on some of my responsibilities
so I can focus on school for these few weeks.
They will give me space and quiet so I can read and write as I
need. They will let me bow out of other
activities when I need. But I won’t want
to give up everything to stay focused on this class. I need to be a participant in the life of my
family and my friends. Graduation
parties and shopping for our daughter’s upcoming trip to Costa Rica are
priorities. So while I have the support
to focus, I have to live life and BE.
Heavenly Father, life can sometime be intense. Choosing an intense schedule is very
different from having life become overwhelming without notice. It is important to understand the impact of
choice in these moments in life. Teach us
to balance…to choose moments of Sabbath within chaos, to choose family within
studies and work, to choose prayer and worship within daily tasks and
chores. Grant us the ability to find
peace in intensity, lingering quietly within your arms. Amen.