Weird Week

Luther says that, "the godly will always live discontentedly in this life precisely because they are always seeking another kingdom." (Thanks to the Ph.D. dissertation of PTS alum John A. Maxfield)

I've noted before (and it's been noted before by others about me) that I am often dissatistied in this life. Doesn't necessarily mean that I'm godly, though I think I am somehow seeking for another realm, a world where all people are accepted, a world where people don't judge one another. Michael Adee of More Light Presbyterians embraces a "boundary-less" gospel, and I have begun co-opting that phrase as well....

This has been an interesting several days since I last wrote. I went into chapel to see one of my professors preach -- I was ambivalent about going (it put me on campus earlier than I needed to be that day, and lately I am not a fan of that particular prof) -- but I felt called to be there. Saw my Th.M. advisor, quite unexpectedly, who is on sabbatical this semester and who is quite in communicado -- we have not been in contact since last December. So in catching up on our lives, briefly, I was a bit teary speaking about my marital situation -- wonder if the situation itself seems more important and momentous and real? -- depending upon who the hearing audience is...? When I tell others I care less about, it seems not only do I care less about my situation itself, but I care less about their response to my situation.

I bought the robe in which I will graduate. It will be my preaching robe and a tailor measured it to fit me. Like everything I buy, it took me 10 mins. or less -- decision-making is not hard for me. My parents say they will reimburse me for the cost (over $500) -- this is good because I did not necessarily want to bother with the graduation ceremony at all...they are coming (and I will have tickets for them to get good seats with the kids -- no hubby) and so they can fund my future (and my appearance at graduation) to that degree. I declined to buy the $145 frame to hang my diploma in....one has to draw the line somewhere. A frame? Yes, certainly, when I have an office in which to hang my diploma. A frame costing that much, which has PTS engraved/etched on its borders? No, I think not.

Have been doing Lenten bible study with the social justice group on campus -- 7 a.m. Wednesdays. Have gotten to know a few of them (different group of students) better. Interesting that they are fallible humans just like me (there I go judging them!). Saw Matthew Shepherd's mother speak this week about the torturous death of her son in Wyoming almost 8 years ago, and mentioned it to one of these students, who has now kind of "written off" hearing mothers speak, since Cindy Sheehan had been on our campus and had apparently not impressed this student. As a mom myself, I necessarily have a different perspective. We've been talking about solidarity as opposed to mere empathy with the oppressed and poor -- how far are we willing to go to be with them? Can we let "this life" go in order to enter another's?

Had many more things I wanted to write about -- but need to get to my paper/presentation due this coming Tuesday -- it's raining and I'm not motivated -- also I can't remember what else I wanted to say. One of the advantages (?) of middle age: letting go whether you want to or not. Ability to re-prioritize (cuz you have to!).