I am headlong into the 'rush' of the end of a term. And the rush this time seems a bit more extreme than I have experienced before. Why do we put overselves through all of this? I mean, I have been steadily working throughout the quarter and now with time ticking ever so loudly in my ear I have taken a pace that is neither good for me physically (long nights, early mornings, lots of caffeine) or emotionally. I am exhausted, yet there is much more that lies ahead. Does this rush happen in the parish (realizing that there are no finals, and exegeticals and the like due)? I mean, are Christmas and other festivals like this? How does one keep up a pace that enables them to complete what NEEDS to be done, yet also one that allows one to breathe and take some healthy time 'away.'This may be me the overachiever...and do-er fully at work, and this is something that I am working on. But how does one continue to do their best work and still balance this stress and rush of it all?

Scrambling....

There are two weeks left to this quarter! Wow - how times flies (having fun or not!) This quarter has been one of 'steps.' These steps started out with various meetings regarding internship. This seemed quite early to me, and like I was in a dream. But alas this is coming quickly.The other second major 'step' this quarter was endorsement. In the candidacy process in the ELCA the second step is endorsement. This step confirms that the candidacy committee is standing with you as you continue to answer your call, and is there to assist when needed. I had my endorsement interview with my relator, the chair of our committee and my advisor. I was somewhat nervous, but I was also remarkably calm. The two that came out from my synod were wonderfully affirming and have encouraged me as I take the next steps in this process.Of most recent experience was my internship interview. During this interview I met with our contextual education director and my advisor and chatted about my experiences this summer with CPE and what I was looking toward and forward to in internship. This was a great time to talk with Jane and to learn more about how this process works. It is hard to believe that in just a few months I will be learning about my internship assignment and preparing myself to move out to somewhere and intern for a year!Of final random note I am just about finished with my first exegetical paper. I am completing my exegetical on Philippians 2:5-11 - which is a most incredible christological hymn. I am learning the importance of going to the original text and looking at both the grammatical structure but also the historical and cultural implications of the times. More on that to come...Thought to ponder...To reach something good it is very useful to have gone astray, and thus acquire experience.- Teresa of Avila