I've learned something about myself.
When I'm in the middle of a semester, I feel less compulsion to write blog posts because I already have an outlet. My students — like it or not — get to hear what I'm thinking about.
Add to that three women's retreats in the space of a single month, and you'll understand why a month has passed since my latest post. I haven't run out of things to say. It's just that I've already said them. In person. It's been a rich season, full of the joy of rekindled friendships and growing momentum in the classroom, but rather breathless.
Last night I turned a corner. After the big push to get three kids settled in three different schools (elementary, middle, and high school), get into the groove with my own classes, and meet a publishing deadline, I'm coming up for air. Yesterday I had lunch with a student and felt the freedom to stop and chat with colleagues. Last night I ordered a magazine, did a load of dishes, dusted our bedroom, and looked for a new medical provider online. I caught up on old emails and started strategizing about the next major thing on my calendar: a trip to San Antonio for academic meetings (IBR and SBL). I can't even tell you how good that feels.
They say that class prep will take as much time as you give it. And that's true. My pattern has been to start with prep and let the rest of my to-do list fill in the cracks. But I'm learning that I might be better off doing things the other way around. At the very least, I need to get better at self-care. It's been over 5 years since I've seen a doctor (my kids are all in the same boat!). There's just never enough time. That needs to change.
Breathing feels good. I hope to keep doing so regularly.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
coming up for air
Dr. Carmen Imes is the Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biola University in La Mirada, CA, and serves the broader church through teaching, speaking, writing, and creating YouTube videos. She earned a PhD in Biblical Theology (Old Testament) from Wheaton College under Dr. Daniel Block, an MA in Biblical Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Charlotte), and a BA in Bible and Theology from Multnomah University. She and her husband, Daniel, served as missionaries with SIM 15 years. They have three children: Ana, Emma, and Easton.
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Hello Carmen Imes. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you as well as know you through your profile on the blogger and the blog post. I am glad to know how you have been so busy in teaching in two Universities,serving the Church in various capacities and being speaker and consultant too and also served as missionaries with SIM since 2002. I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 37 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrst where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. we also encurage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. Since you are teaching such young people in two Universities it would be so wonderful if you share with the interested young people about this opportunity to work with us during their vacation time. In the past many young people have come through YWAM, YIM from Nazarene Universities, Oasis and interserve from Eurpop and several other individuals from different denominations. I am sure those who come will have a life changing experience. We also would love to have you come to Mumbai to speak to the leaders of different churches in Mumbai as well as speak to the women in the body of Christ. God willing I will be coming to the States in the month of May/ June and will be so glad to stop by your place and visit you and share more about our ministry and the opportunities for young people to come on a missions trip to Mumbai. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and friends.
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