Finishing the Race

And so, another fall term at Furman comes to a close. I had my essay test on Paul this morning. It was about as challenging as I expected it to be, and then some. But I went into it knowing I gave it my best and prepared the best way I knew how. I actually couldn't sleep much thinking about it last night and ended up waking up around 4:30 AM. I knew there was no way I was getting back to sleep, so I cracked open my Bible, PowerPoints, and cheat card and started up again. I studied in Johns Hall until about 6:30 when I moved my stuff to our classroom in Furman Hall. I figured a little breakfast would help the old weary brain, so off I skipped to the Dining Hall in a 15-20 degree Wind Chill. Had a very nice breakfast with Lauren, who apparantly has issues with sleep as well. Then I headed back and reviewed a little more until about 8:30, at which time, I closed the books, so to speak. So come what may. I can accept whatever happens on the final. Although I really, really want an A in this class.

All right, exciting news! I received an A in both English-21 (Literature) and English-39 (Grammar) this semester! Very pleased about that. Conquering Dr. Rogers' system felt quite vindicating, almost like resolving a subplot left from freshman year. So now it all comes down to the outcome of my Paul final, which I'm not abolutely confident about (but then again when am I ever confident coming out of an exam? I always feel like something between the likes of roadkill and slag). But whatever happens to it, that'll prove to be a much-welcomed boost for my GPA.

So anyway, I'm back home now (I had to rush back to Furman this evening to grab A Christmas Story before they closed the Residence Halls) and relishing every moment. I have eaten fried chicken and carrots for supper, listened to lots of Christmas music (mostly from the cantata), picked out the last part of Anna Kate's present at the mall, helped my brother set up a VHS player in his room so he could watch movies, started wrapping gifts, and picked up my CFA work schedule. I'll have a good few days by next week, but nothing too overwhelming.

So ... Fall Term? Academic-wise, it's been the most productive of my semesters at this fine liberal arts institution. I have a very real shot at a 4.0 average for this term, a definite first in my three years at Furman. Spiritually, it has gone from the mountain peak to the desert place. But God has pulled me through it. He has shown me time and again that if I just lay my burdens at His feet, He'll take care of them. I know that His shoulders are much broader and stronger than mine, so I need to do much a lot of that. Socially, I have learned that friends are the best therapy for maladjusted workaholics like me. Consider yourself blessed beyond imagination if you find yourself surrounded by true, genuine friends who are kind enough to listen to you whine and share their burdens with you. I need to do better at hearing the concerns of others and lifting them up. You never know when some one might need a boost of encouragement. All I know is, I can't be dry for long when I have friends like these. I have watched them grow and mature in their own faith and spiritual journies; it has been an amazing thing to see.

Song of the Day: CeCe Winnans - "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

Verse of the Day: "I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but to all of those who have longed for his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:6-8