Check...

Hebrew 1A. Check. Christianity to the Modern/Post-Modern Eras. Check. Studies in Johannine Literature: Epistles. Check.

One more semester down. One last, final, ultimate semster to go. The worst thing about school is procrastination. The best thing about school is being done with something. Somehow, the two are intertwined. When the semester begins, there is promise. Hope, even. Plans are made to "stay on top of things." "Do better." "Read more." I can't say that things stay so optimistic. So, at 4:00 am this last Wednesday morning, I finished my paper. I was, however, on time. They don't take kindly to graduate students turning in papers late, I've noticed. I was late on one and I thought my eternal security was in jeopardy. Things are going to balance back out over the next few weeks. Like tonight, I spent three hours of quality family time at the mall trying to figure out what my 13 year old son was going to get his mother for Christmas. I've found that getting this 13 year old to think about anything other than shoes or his hair is quite a feat, or is it fete.

I have to say that through this entire ordeal known as grad school, my wife has been the most amazing person. I don't know a person who has so much class and grace. She has poured herself into me and my work selflessly and entirely. And as she sleeps here beside me because she's worked so hard at keeping the boys from hating me because I'm never around or I'm cranky when I'm trying to read and they're trying to play basketball or because she's working so hard to provide that which is lacking by my part time hours, I just want her to know that I'm grateful. She's the best friend I've had in my life and she deserves this degree way more than I do.

So, here's to her!
May she find rest when we finish this step and strength to take the next. May her patience endure for rest of the 77 plus years we have left.


P.S. She's the one on the right.