I didn’t realize how easy I had it being a college student: go to class, study, do what you want. I also didn’t realize how easy I had it being a working man: go to work, do what you want.
But this road of studying the priesthood of saving souls is not an easy one, and not one traveled very often. It’s a very unique way of living. The students here at St. Joseph’s seminary are being formed on 4 levels: Human Formation, Spiritual Formation, Academic Formation, and Pastoral Formation.
In other words, there are LOTS of things going on. We are constantly busy. My week is filled with prayer, class, reading, Mass, studying, meetings, community meals, spiritual direction, laundry, exercising, more studying, community service, and cleaning the seminary when needed. Sleep is very valuable and precious.
I realized within the first few weeks here that being out of school can slow down your reading speed, so I’ve been spending more time reading than others (or so it seems). My grandmother is not doing well at all, she is slowly deteriorating and losing hope. I also found out that my father has cancer. I miss being home now more than ever.
As a result, I broke down last night – which usually happens once or twice a year when I’ve become very overwhelmed. So I got that out of my system, but realized that this is not going to be easy. It won’t be all fun times. This is serious. I’m here for a reason, and from my experiences in the past, the most fun ones aren’t always the most beneficial. When we are striving and struggling it makes us stronger. We can rely on God for perseverance and strength, which brings us closer to Him. Christ didn’t have it easy – that’s the wide and popular road. I know I have to pick up my cross and completely trust Him with things back at home that I cannot help, and concentrate on the things that I can.
It’s time to work like it all depends on me, and pray like it all depends on God.
<3 oxox You can do it!
Bro,
I know you knew this was not going to be an easy road, but like Sabrina said, “you can do it”….with Christ. The life lessons you are learning as you trek your way through seminary are extremely valuable, but as with most lessons, does not come without a price. I am sorry to hear about your dad; my prayers are with you and your family. I wish I could be there to lift you up, but in my absence the Lord is present and able to lift you up. When we choose Christ in this world, we can expect trials of many kinds because we are going against the grain of the world…for we are not out this world. Like the apostle Paul, as we come to know Christ we may also experience suffering, but it is in that suffering that we come to know the love of Christ by experience. Trek-on, brother! Luv ya!
Trey, please know you are not alone. You got me praying for you.
Thanks for the share!
Nancy.R