Monday, March 20, 2017

Because A Lot of People Go to College for 7 Years


   How I think I sound when I say I'm in school


Last week was the big comeback.
My first time in years walking into a classroom involving my own education. 
Far past the expiration date of the typical college career, I was filled to the brim with excitement and apprehension. The butterflies sold tickets and ran a three-ring circus in my gut.  Each minute felt like a step closer to either an adventure of opportunity or a giant waste of resources. Potentially both.
Only time will tell with that, and what I make of it.

Luckily, the largest of my worries was eased upon arrival...
I wasn't late.
(Thank you, Jesus)

I was thankful to find the professor easy-going and understanding...something I won't take for granted but I'm sure I will be grateful for when the time comes.  Like moments when I realized that my class was two nights a week, not one, and that I didn't manage to attend until the second night of attendance.  Because how else could I approach something in true Jess fashion?

While the material was easy enough to comprehend, my already fatigued brain struggled to stay focused. Sentences crashed together into a sea of theory and vocab and Trump jokes.  I see this as a great challenge for growth in my distracted thinking.

Note to self: Inquire about a coffee pot at my desk. 


By God's grace, I managed to make it back to the car at the end of the night in one piece.


I will say, though, that as I observed the other students, I couldn't help but feel a bit like this gal in comparison...
(No disrespect intended. This lady was phenomenal . Her name was Nola Ochs, and she was the oldest woman to graduate college.  What an inspiration in defying the odds and pursuing your dreams. 



 I know that might be a slight exaggeration, but I definitely tip the scale towards the older population of the group.  I had to remind myself to let it go.  In my heart of hearts, I know that the concept of the college experience has significantly morphed over time. Anyone can go back at any stage of life.  
Despite the "feeling old" commentary, I truly do believe that school is not only for those just starting out, but for a those looking for a fresh start.

That's what I'm hoping for.
Not only vocationally, but in my every-moment functionality.  
Out with the old and in with the new, as they say.

Luke 5:36-37

He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.  And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.

No more trying to patch what has already been shredded.

New direction.
New focus.
New habits.
New strength.
New fight.
New victories.
.