the times they are a changin'

This is it. In two months (give or take) I begin my studies at Virginia Theological Seminary to be formed into an Episcopal Priest. It is hard to believe that the boyish, immature college sophomore who walked into his Chaplain's office three years ago is now packing his things and moving to seminary.

It is hard to describe what I'm feeling right now. Nerves are a given, for this is a big change in my life. The move from small-town Harrisonburg to DC will be...noticeable. Nerves imply a bit of fear, which is not what I'm feeling. The feelings that I have are what I would imagine Peter felt as he took the first step out of his boat onto the sea, following the lead of his teacher. While I am by no means Peter, I do feel that I am responding to a call from Jesus. It is as if he has whispered in my heart, "Come." Countless passages in Scripture tell me not to be afraid, that the Lord is with me. There's the rub! It is purely human to fear the unknown, but it is purely divine to trust in the Lord. God help me.

My prayer is that I remain open to the experiences that I will have over the next three years. For it is in these experiences that I will be formed into the man that God has called me to be - shaking off the dust of the life I've lived before and putting on the Spirit as I am made new. I must not rely on the stories and tales of other peoples experiences in seminary. I must not rely on my own ideas of what seminary will look like for me. Instead of allowing these notions to sully my mind, I must remember to "be still" and trust in the Lord.

I know that I have the support of those around me. My family and friends have stood beside me as I've walked so far, and I have no reason to believe that they will leave my side over the next years. I am not sure of what lies ahead for me at VTS. I am not sure who I will become or how I will change.

I AM sure of a few things: I am sure that God will never leave me or forsake me. I am sure that those whom I love will stay by my side. I am sure that whatever will happen will be good and a joyful thing.

God's Peace,
CBG