IL EST FINI(sp?)

I'm done with the work for my internship.

Hallelujah!

Can I get an 'amen'?

I had my (I believe) last meeting with my supervisor today. It was a really good feeling to know that I don't have to write anything except the final copies for my portfolio that's due on Friday.

I've been reflecting on all of my experience at Campus Ministry over the last few days, since I'll be completely done with it after this week. It's a little crazy to think about, but I think I've realized a few really important things about myself from the experience. I actually just interrupted a conversation next to me in the Zumberge Library to share some of these gems of wisdom with a couple of students who are leaders in Campus Crusade for Christ.

I realized that I need to learn to say no. Last night at our weekly Young Life meeting one of the other leaders told me that she appreciated how willing I am to serve. She mentioned that I've been on the Young Life Team, the Spring Break Team, and that I led a spring break trip this year--all while doing an internship, taking a full load of classes and working at Barnes & Noble for part of the time. I appreciated what she said to me, but at the same time I realized that I don't often admit it when I've got too much to do. I don't know if that's because I don't want to let people down or because I'm too proud to admit when I can't do everything. It's probably a mix of the two. But while I was working on writing the Holy Week devotional I realized that even Jesus didn't try to do more than he could. When people asked him to do things that weren't part of his mission, he said no. I think that says a lot about prioritizing your work. Today Chris said he's excited to see what I can do when I find a rhythm in life, because right now I don't have any. I'm pretty excited to see that, too, mostly because it means I'll get some rest.

The other thing I realized is that universities seem more interested in creating machines than developing people. Most of what I've done in school has been focused on production. I don't think we're created to be machines. A human's identity is more than what he does. That's why the Sabbath is so important in the Jewish and Christian religions, and why it's so counter-cultural. It's a statement that there's more value to a human being than his output. I'm excited about experiencing a time when I'm able to affirm that fully, when I'm able to just be.

I don't think I'll be able to walk at commencement next week because I've got to figure out a way out of my foreign language requirement. But school won't take up my life anymore, and I'll be done soon. I'll be able to live again.