Life After School

I still can't believe, that for the first time in my life, my primary occupation is something other than that of "student". When I filled out camp forms late in the Spring, with graduation looming, out of habit the occupation line read 'student' in my hurried scrawl, but I knew by the time camp rolled around it would change to 'barista'. Or 'nanny'. Or 'writer'. Depending upon the day.

Crazy. 

I don't regret the choice at all, as a matter of fact I relish the idea of, for likely the only time in my life, a job where I clock out and am off the clock in being a barista.  I love the kids I care for.  And in my writing and in the combination of all of these things, I have a chance to figure out what it is to be an adult.  

I have a chance to pursue my passions for writing and creating and it is exactly what the doctor ordered, especially coupled with the fact that there are facets in which I will be able to nurture people and be pastor, too, without it as a job title: I slowly discover the truth in the words of a mentor that, no matter where I am, God will have me living out my call. 

Above all, I am thrilled beyond measure that I get to re-discover and discover with greater depth God's awesomeness in my adventures this year, and God's hand in who I am and who I'm becoming... In the art coming from my heart and soul, in the movement and stillness, in the flurry of emotions that will surely beset me in the coming months. 

And God's pull toward my purpose is a strong one, and one I seek to follow more closely every day. This is a great journey, which, though it is a very figurative one in this moment, will hopefully (prayerfully, passionately, excitedly) become a very literal one in the coming months. 

I'm blessed to have the chance. 

A letter to my church: March 2013

Hey y’all, it’s me again.

I’ll be back in with you in print a few times, and back with you in person pretty soon, and I’m sure there are a lot of questions about why and how I’ve gone through the ordination process to get to this point. 

In 2010, when I applied to Seminary, I also formally began the process of seeking ordination in the Christian Church(Disciples of Christ) through the region of Georgia and this church.  So my sponsor from the congregation and long-time mentor, Bill Moore, wrote a letter, the board voted on me, and off I went to Columbia Seminary in Decatur, where I’ll finish up on May 18(which is creeping up faster than I thought it would!)

So, in the past 3 years, I’ve met 4 times with the Regional Commission on Ministry.  I’ve written papers, undergone interviews, and am now filling out search and call papers(Search and call is the process used to match pastors with churches.  My paperwork will be filed with the national office for when I am ready to enter the process) and meeting the final requirements for ordination.

It’ll be a whirlwind summer.  I’ll move off-campus after graduation, spend a week or two counseling camp, and continue to work in the coffee shop that’s taught me a lot about people this year.  I’ll be home again too, and I plan to spend as much time with y’all as I can manage. 

Can’t wait.  It’ll be a great summer!

Love,

Sarah