Did ever you hear of such a thing? Assignments due the first day of class. Readings expected to be completed. Brain in gear before you know what the course is all about. Its true. I have two classes on Monday nights, and both of them expect you to come to class the first night having read extensively and written papers!
Too bad life doesn't have these sorts of prep times. Think about it. You get a cancer diagnosis, but before you go to your first treatment, you have to complete assigned readings and do some exercises to help you be ready physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually before you undergo treatment.
In fact, it would be helpful to have those sorts of syllabi before any and every major life event - going to school, graduating from high school, going to college, graduating, getting your first job, buying a car, changing jobs, getting married, buying a house, having your first (and subsequent) babies, going to grad school, graduating, caring for your parents, dealing with the death of a loved one, battling any illness, retiring, facing your own death.
Whew! That's a lot of life events. And people wonder why they are always dealing with change. Life is constant change, like it or not. Sometimes it hits so fast it makes our heads spin. I am learning the importance of creating sacred space in my whirling world. Intentionally building into my schedule times to purposefully slow down and meditate on the only existing life manual that can help, the Holy Scripture. Taking time to connect with God and hear what He is instructing about dealing with life events.
I don't always get the connection between the thoughts I encounter during these sacred space moments and what I am dealing with at the time. I do know that when I insist on taking them, I am less ruffled, less tossed and torn, less upset when change hits or something unexpected arises.
Its the closest I can come to doing pre-life event homework so that when I have to step up to the plate, I at least have some idea what I will encounter. Try it. What have you got to lose?
2 comments:
Yes, I have had a class or two where an assignment was due on the first day. We all complained, of course, but it really helped to get us into the swing of things right away and receive the most out of the class.
I loved reading your thoughts about the importance of scheduling time alone with God each day. I've long valued that, but always struggled with maintaining it. I just started a new (to me) devotional by John Stott, which follows the church year. I'm hoping that the fact that my sister is reading the same thing will keep me accountable.
It is sometimes very difficult to schedule time , we get caught up in the demands that people require us to do.
By taking moments in relaxing and de stressing that is very important.
I use Jackie to help me..
http://www.rnrprogram.com
She is the one that keeps me focused.
I also feel that my faith keeps me on the path when I become lost.
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