Why seminary?

It's difficult to give a short answer when I'm asked why I chose to attend seminary.  My response is really more of a story which includes many people, places and events. It's a story about my exploration of who I am and who I feel compelled to be in this world.  It's also been a story about where God has been present in my life and how I've chosen to respond, for better or worse.  In the church we often talk about a person's chosen path, vocation or purpose as a "call".  A pastor I know recently described a call as being where "your great joy and the needs of the world meet."  Amen!  That definition works for me!

Today especially, I am thankful that I will enjoy a warm meal and the company of friends and family.  A friend at school recently described the way he lives his life as being a "thank you note to God".  This has been a helpful notion on which to meditate.  In many ways, I think my life has been a response to abundance, even when it has also been marked by hardship or sorrow.  In other words, I have found God to be present in both the joys and sorrows.  This has been, for me, good news which I fell compelled to share.

The video below is an advertisement for the ELCA.  For me, this video conveys a piece of the gospel message that has so captured me.  It reminds me why I remain committed to the vocation of being Christian.  It provides a glimpse of what it means to participate in God's radically inclusive and loving desire for the world.  It also stirs in me a sense of excitement and hope, pushing me to be ever more actively grateful.  I pray that those who do not have warmth, food, shelter or companionship will still experience the transformational miracle of God's love.