I moved from WV to NJ this week in order to start seminary at Drew University. As I carried boxes to my third floor apartment, I realized that I definitely over-packed. The good news is that I had room for everything and the apartment is starting to feel like home. Besides moving into a new apartment, I also completed four days of orientation with the rest of the incoming theological students. I was not sure what to expect out of seminary or orientation, but I definitely did not expect to start theological discussion or debate. As you can probably guess, that is exactly what happened. Lets just say the members of the entering class got their feet wet. After orientation, I feel better about the upcoming semester and am looking forward to the start of classes on Monday.
On a reflective note, I want to share something a fellow classmate and friend, Glen, shared with me. We were discussing what some family and friends thought about the pursuit of seminary education. Jokingly, we talked about how some thought it is about learning to walk on water and perform other miracles like Jesus. Glen shared that in a way, seminary is like learning to walk on water. In Matthew 14 we see Peter walk on water as Jesus commanded him to do. Peter had to overcome his fear and take the first step out on the water. Like Peter, those entering seminary had to answer the call and overcome fears in order to start the pursuit of theological education. Although we may not be physically learning to walk on water, we are taking part in something that allows us to learn to be like Peter.
