As I step forward (with great excitement, hopeful anticipation, eagerness, and a healthy dose of fear of the unknown), I am thankful for a moment to pause and reflect on how I got to this place, and what I hope these next three years to be.
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| (While visiting Fuller a few months ago, I jotted down notes throughout the weekend. I returned to the notebook recently and found these words (among others) that reflect my experience.) |
There is a phrase that has never sat well with me, a phrase I often hear yet have never been able to identify with, "Called to seminary." I don't think there is anything inherently "wrong" with this idea...but personally I have never felt "called to seminary." (Perhaps some might feel I should not be there if I don't directly feel called to this place, but I would disagree). I am called to take part in God's redemptive kingdom work on this earth, I am called to the ministry of Jesus Christ, I am called to love my neighbor. This calling is taking me to seminary, to gain what I feel to be necessary knowledge and tools to continue this ministry in my life. Seminary being a part of the process, not the calling itself. While visiting Fuller someone spoke directly to this idea during a time of Q&A. They said, "We are not simply called to seminary- we have a calling far beyond what happens in these classrooms." I look forward to the next three years as I am stretched, challenged, broken, and equipped for ministry. A current student phrased it this way "Fuller is a place that equips passionate people to do what they already love." I think I'm going to like this place...
Fuller is a diverse community made up of students from roughly 70 countries and representing over 100 denominations. The more days I spend in this world the more I'm reminded of the rich diversity within the family of God. Our God is immensely creative (good quality for a creator to possess, yea?) and we have so much to learn from each other. I am extremely thankful for my upbringing. I was raised in a loving, inclusive church within the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship network. As a young female called to ministry I fully grasp how fortunate I am to have called this place home for 23 years. This circle I've been nurtured, encouraged, and brought up in will always be home, and I am thankful for it. That being said, this girl is ready to explore a little bit, get away from home for a while. I am ready for an adventure! I am excited to share life with people who are vastly different that me. I look forward to having conversations and learning from individuals who think, look, believe, act, speak, and come from different walks of life than me, such is the kingdom of heaven.
A dear friend of mine once gave some advice that I have held close ever since. She said "listen for you heart to come alive, and lean into that." [Sorry for paraphrasing :) ] Simply put, while visiting Fuller I felt my heart come alive. I awoke to my passions, my hopes, my ability to dream- I felt alive, fully human, and I hope that is a sign of what's to come in the next three years.
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