Thursday, January 07, 2010

Presbyterian Surprises

I am a Presbyterian pretty much by accident. (Well, if I were REALLY a Presbyterian, I suppose I would put that a bit differently.)

And I am extremely ecumenical in background and approach and practice.

But as I study for my ordination exams ~ in theology, worship and sacraments, and church government (Hebrew is a take-home and requires a completely different approach) ~

I am falling in love with my accidentally-aquired Presbyterian heritage and home.

I have friends here in seminary who just shrug their shoulders and say, "I've never known anything else." But my experience has been quite different and so, for me, Christianity, Protestantism, and the Presbyterian tradition are all conscious and distinct choices among a variety of alternatives.

Who knew that studying for ords would be, ummmmmm, actually exciting ~ and even sort of transformative?

*****

That said, I still will not hesitate to mention the countdown: two weeks from tomorrow they begin, three weeks from this morning I turn in the Hebrew exam, and then, I'm thinking, a motel with a hot tub . . . ?

10 comments:

Elaine (aka...Purple) said...

Gannet...I remember when I was preparing...think reformed...think reformed...was my mantra. Blessings for you in the coming weeks. Remember to come up for air on a regular basis.

Terri said...

I felt the same way as I prepared and sat for the Episcopal Ordination exams....unfortunately me and half my class didn't do all that well on our exams...but that's another story about varities of theology and expectations of exam readers in our tradition. Enjoy, and yes, rest as well.

Oh I also remember that when I was in seminary I use to give, as a gift, massages to any of the graduating class exam takers, who desire one. I brought my table to the seminary and used an empty room, set up in the most relaxing way possible, and surrounded the treatment time with prayer. Let me know when your exams are and, if you like, I will hold in prayer and offer a virtual massage...

Karen said...

An amazing accomplishment, to come to this place in the midst of tragedy, grief and loss. It was ordained for you to be ordained, and to have so much to give to the hurting. What a blessing you are.

Cynthia said...

Karen expressed my feelings exactly.

Lori said...

You go! (Not many words today. Sorry)

Di McCullough said...

That's such a lovely thing, Gannet. Congratulations-- it was so nice to read that you feel good about your choice.

Sarah S-D said...

i had a similar experience preparing for ords. i'm sorry i never got my study materials to you, but i doubt you need them!!!

a hot tub when all is said and done indeed!

Carol said...

It takes a certain perspective or maturity to realize that the process is a huge part of the education and training.

You will have earned more than just a motel when these exams are over--more like a luxury spa weekend.

Rev SS said...

I agree with Karen too! Blessings on your prep ... on the experience of writing your exams ... and on the spa after!

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

Yes, to what Karen said.

And I just want to thank you for your supportive comments during my grieving process.