Back to School

A few weeks ago I had the honor to sing at a friend's wedding. Her wedding day coincided with the time of year we actually met, and as I reflect on leaving the great state of Texas for another exciting semester of seminary, I can't help but remember the story of our friendship.

Ten years ago (!) that weekend, I stepped out of the family minivan on Grand Avenue in Sherman, Texas, excited to finally be at school.  Austin College starts a bit later than most schools, so all my friends had already begun the new exciting journey called college.  Before stepping out of the car, I had just promised myself that I would be starting this adventure with an open mind - I was ready to make new friends and "be" Katy Walters.  I had willed myself to just greet the first person I met and go!

 The lovely lady who was married was the first person I met on that curb outside our dorm.  We walked up to each other, introduced ourselves (VERY enthusiastically), and were pretty much inseparable the entire fall semester.  Our enthusiasm and energy and love for life was contagious.   Through this friend, I met two other gals who joined us in our romping around campus, and to this day - they are still some of my closest buds.  

The Princesas at my Senior Recital 

As I get ready back to school, I recognize I'm a little beat.  I didn't get out of my car upon pulling up to campus with that energy I had when I started at Austin College so many years ago.  My thought upon arriving to CTS was, "here's the to do list for tomorrow." 

This summer was an amazing whirlwind of traveling, laughter, amazing meals and stories shared.  It's been a summer of learning and affirming of gifts.   It's been a summer full of keeping commitments, writing papers, preparing for ordination exams, and some late nights full of coffee and Migliore.  It's been an emotional summer with losing my Meem and my Peepa, and the highs and lows that come with those kind of meetings where really important things are decided.  It's been a good summer, but I am feeling a bit empty. 

Having met some of our new students at Columbia, I am a wee bit jealous at their enthusiasm and energy they are bringing to their first semester of seminary.  I like to be the one full of life and enthusiasm!  

And I know I will be.  

I know with some rest I will be back to my ever so encouraging, cheerful self.  

I've been reading Psalm 37 daily - using it as a prayer as I return to school. 

Trust in the Lord, and do good;

so you will live in the land and enjoy security.

Take delight in the Lord,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him, and he will act.

He will make your vindication shine like the light,

and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;

do not fret over those who prosper in their way,

over those who carry our evil devices.

  

 I pray that the energy from our new class is contagious and it rejuvenates my spirit. 

I pray I always remember the call I have answered - the call that energizes me and gets my blood flowing. 

I pray that I remember what an amazing gift it is to be able to study freely and ask, seek, and knock on this faith journey.  

I pray I fully "commit my way to the Lord" - including the trusting bit.  My God hasn't led me this far to leave me hanging!

And mostly right now, I pray offering thanksgiving for the wonderful support I receive in prayer, phone calls, letters, emails and texts.  It sustains me and gives me little "oomphs" as I journey on. 

I may be a little beat, but I am blessed.  And for that, I give thanks.