Keep Calm and Study Greek and other Seminary realities

The end of the semester has come.  Semester #2 - check.  It's like coming out of a haze and shaking your head, readjusting to life, and opening your eyes to a whole new world called "the outside."  I say this "tongue in cheek" because most of my seminary friends are still posting statuses about studying Greek and reading text books because.. well frankly, because they actually LOVE this stuff (my dear husband included).

But we had a bit of an advantage in terms of breaking free from the classroom routine because as soon as finals were over, we welcomed the Carbaugh family from PA into our Kalas home to spend five fun days with us exploring the Bluegrass.  It was a instant transition from studying and reading to hiking and playing.  It made us dizzy, but in a good way, like riding a Tilt-a-Whirl at the county fair.   We played in waterfalls, swam at a water park, hiked to the river's edge, and picnicked in the park.  We watched movies at night, ate milkshakes for breakfast, and even went on a double-date with no kids.  It may have been at our house but it still felt like a vacation for us.

And then, Tuesday morning, as quickly as they came, they left and suddenly, we looked at each other and said, "Now what?"  It didn't take long for the Greek cards to make their reappearance (in fact they were out before our friend had even left) and for paperwork to get filled out for classes in the fall.  We look around at those who graduated last weekend and realize that in three years, that will be us.  Our time here, which has gone so quickly already, will end.  And while we know that is why we came, there is something in our hearts that wants to relish each moment of the time we have left.

I've been known to pick on my hubby a bit for his insatiable thirst for "more."  He's not content to brush the surface of things.  He wants to really understand, to really "get it" and to share with others who are interested.  Sure, the Bible has been translated into various versions of the English language and most of us are satisfied with that.  Not Luke.  One of his favorite things to do is pull out his Greek New Testament and translate for himself.  And the joy he gets from completing a translation and understanding that verse or chapter in a new light is unparalleled.  

I used to think he was unique in this desire but I have quickly discovered that he is indeed just one of a certain breed.  As I stated at the beginning, it didn't take long after finals for the facebook posts to go from "Finals this week!  Pray for grace and caffeine to work." to "Finals are over! Excited to dig into my books for next semester!"  I mean seriously, before finals week was even over, a bunch of students had formed a group to independently study Greek over the summer and had begun going over basic Greek to get started.  There are more bookshelves in Kalas Village than people I'm sure and as graduates are preparing to leave, their offers of books and bookshelves are pounced on quickly by eager undergrads.

All this to say, I've come to the realization that "seminary" will never really be over.  Not after finals.  Not even after graduation.   And I am blessed to know that here at Asbury that is in fact the goal.  Lifelong learning and growing in our knowledge of Christ.  And it's not about being here.  It's about going there.  As Dr. Bob Stamps said in his last chapel as dean (paraphrased), "Get it (the gospel) out of the church!  We are not supposed to be fishing in our own aquarium."  Or as it says on the stained glass of the church we attend here in Wilmore, "Come, Tarry, Go!"  Or as Luke would say, "As much as I love this stuff, and I do, I'm really looking forward to getting to work."

We are at the "tarry" stage and fully enjoying our life here.  Sharing our home with our friends this weekend reaffirmed to me again just how blessed we truly are.  And we are grateful for that.  But I am also watching good friends pack up all their belongings and "Go!" to all the various places God is sending them.  And I am grateful for that too.  But regardless of the stage we find ourselves, I am very sure of this; seminary will never be over.  In fact, it's only just begun.

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;  for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.      Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.  2 Peter 1:5-15 (NASB)