Close But

Dear friends,

It is easy to tell myself that I am fine. It is easy to think I am enough of the way there that I can coast to the end. And it is easy to live in the future.

Yet, here is the present situation: I have been herxing almost nonstop since Saturday morning. My joints ache, my muscles could use a massage, and I am just tired. I would also like to speed everything up about a year: At that time, I hope to be done with my Master's degree, I hope to have some kind of job, and I hope to be out on my own.

Here is more of the present situation: I have taken on a few, volunteer projects because I have the time, energy, and heart to contribute. I have spent considerable amounts of time with my nieces, nephew, and family members. I have been in prayer and in Scripture a lot. I have hosted a friend over for dinner. And my skin is still being painted.

And still more: Last week I realized that finances don't cover me taking four classes this fall (double the number I usually take), so I will be taking just two. This means that I won't be finished with my program until late summer or early fall 2010. Given my extra free time, I will continue doing everything I mentioned in the paragraph above. In addition, I plan to look for a part-time job to begin possibly late in the year or early next year. One main reason for taking a job is to earn some extra money in order to move out of my sister's home around the New Year. No worries - all is fine between her and me - but she is expecting again and I don't want to live with a newborn.

Though I have been gearing up for this transition time for a few months now, I can't say where it's going to take me. There have already been many surprises, and I'm sure there will be many more. In the meantime, I am staying the course, listening to my body, coaching myself to stay in the present, seeking wise counsel, and praying for God to stay right beside me.

This journey is getting really good.

A.