Today was the last class of my last semester. It was bitter-sweet as I sat in front of the computer on zoom and looked at the faces that I have been looking at 4-5 times a week for 2 years. The familiar faces that from strangers, became friends, to becoming a family. Relying on each other, carrying each other, and loving each other through a rollercoaster of 2 years. What was even more bitter-sweet was that my last class was with the same professor we had for our 1st class. A perfect way to come full circle.
This accelerated Masters in Divinity program MDivX at Luther Seminary in Minnesota has been such a blessing. It taught me that even through chaos, ministry is possible. It showed me that I have to take care of my spirituality and health first, to be able to care for others. It thought me that no matter how many miles are between my classmates and me, we are always together. It showed me that I am enough, even when I don't feel like I am.
As I disconnected from my last class, I cried. All the emotions came down at once. Emotions of knowing next week we will not be in class together. Emotions of relief that I made it through and survived it. Emotions of fear and excitement, because I don't know what the future holds. Emotions of knowing that there are more goodbyes in the next few weeks/months.
But, as tears flooded my eyes I had a spark of happiness because I MADE IT! I finally completed my degree. With the help of so many people, besides my classmates. This was an amazing journey, and I am so excited for the future.
This heart stone was given to use in different colors our first semester before we parted ways. It is a symbol that even as we are scattered all over the United States, we are together in spirit. And when we want to pray for each other, we miss each other, or we need comfort we can just hold it and know that we are connected. We see this heart and we see our MDivX family.
