lonely Saturday

It's about 5:20 on a Saturday night and the sun is starting to set. Husband is on a 4.5 hour drive to see a college hockey game with his nephew (college student). Oldest is shopping at the mall for a friend's birthday present. Youngest is on a playdate to see the newest video games. I am waiting at home for a friend to drop off her 3-year-old for me to babysit her while the friend has dinner out with her husband. Sigh.... Not my chosen evening activity, and I have been waiting to see them/get my afternoon settled since about 2:30. Oh, well.

I'm tired, but I have school work to do. It's only the 2nd week of classes so I am not way behind (not yet!). I actually really like my classes this semester and my schedule -- but I can feel the beginnings of spring fever (it got up to about 55 degrees today) and I'd like to do some fun stuff instead of school work or house work. I don't have anything (that I know of) to do in church tomorrow; I'm sure when I get there I will find there's a prayer or scripture to lead/read or something. Kind of nice to have a Saturday "off". Maybe I'll wear an African dress....

Bible study resumed at my field ed church this past Wednesday. We're doing The Bible from Scratch by Donald Griggs. Seems like a really good resource. Also, I went to this semester's first "How to Read Barth" seminar (90 mins. Monday night) with George Hunsinger. He does it every semester, but this is the first semester I have made the time to do it. Actually bought (with my own money!) Barth III.2 so I can participate!

Black history month began on Tuesday -- Thursday night in the chapel Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts preached -- and I sang with the gospel choir. It was an inspiring service, and sermon. I was aware of a sense of community among all the people of color -- shared history -- and how gracious they were in broadening their worship and their love of the Lord to include me. I believe I was the only white face (besides President of the Seminary, Iain Torrance) up at the chancel/altar area. A really spiritual night, when I had little in the way of energy to give, I was so well fed.

I am concerned about some seminary friends. I was glad to participate in mid-week, mid-day prayer this past Weds. I feel really close to the prayer leader, and we prayed for those we knew on campus (and elsewhere in the world) in pain. There's a lot of discontent and uncertainty and stress and anxiety on campus, and I wish in my old-age experience/wisdom I could say, "It will pass." They can't hear it, don't want to hear it, must live through it. Bible content exam was this past Friday and many were nervous about that -- other ordination exams are on February 19th. I am taking one (out of a possible four) but I am not nervous about it. Just one more hoop, and life goes on regardless of how well you do.

I always think of more to write after I've logged off, but I am going to sign off all the same. One friend got engaged this week, so that is happy news. I like her and her fiancee and think they will have a splendid marriage. Here's hoping! (and praying)