School Daze

This is the first year in many years (22 to be exact) that my life has not been governed by the academic calendar. And it is a bit strange. In August, I missed the flurry of activity that accompanies getting ready for the "new year"---whether that means preparing syllabi and checking book orders, or buying books and checking class schedules. In September, when classes started, I missed the classroom, the promise of a new semester, new challenges. Now that it is mid-semester, I can't honestly say that I miss writing or taking exams, and I certainly don't miss grading them.

I'm not sorry I left academia; I was called in a new direction. I enjoyed teaching most of the time, and I like research, but I don't think I'm driven enough to maintain a rigorous research program. Truthfully though, I miss being a student more than being a teacher. I loved being in seminary. Yes, I complained just like everyone else about the pressure of papers, reading, exams, too much to do. But truth is, I'm a school geek, and there is a part of me that will always feel most at home in a classroom.

Now I move to the rhythm of the church year instead of the school year. To a certain extent, the fall is still the "new year"; as summer winds down, activity at church picks up. But the real "new year" is coming: Advent, which not only anticipates Christmas, but also marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. So instead of preparing for final papers and exams, I'll be making Advent wreaths, and teaching about Jesse Trees, and preaching on holding on to the anticipation that defines Advent. I'll be planning Christmas pageants and Christmas sermons. And just like any other year, I'll be crazy busy.