I love school for the most part I really do, but there are pieces of it that torment me. One of these torments is writing papers. And as a nearly graduated graduate student, I have a huge one waiting at my feet to be written. It's not so much the writing that gets me, it's the researching. And even though I love my topic (piano pedagogy), I find it hard to set aside time to go sit at the library and work. When I manage to get myself to the library, I feel so strongly the temptation to browse the internet reading lovely blogs or I long for the moment when I can go home and create clothing designs. I tell myself, it's just one more semester of studies... just one more.... I wonder if I have what it takes to finish. Am I spent? Do I have any self-discipline and motivation left?
This morning as I was going through my journal looking at Scripture verses I've written down in the past, I came across this one. "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:4 (NIV)
I realize this wasn't written specifically to graduate students, but since that is where I'm at right now, I took it to mean I mustn't quit at the task God has put before me. Even though the going is tough, I must not quit. And even though I wonder if all the sacrifice and effort will be worth it in the end, I must have faith that I will reap the benefits of what I sow. And then I realized, that it is in fact paying off right in this moment because through this battle I am learning what it is to persevere. God is working in me. I do have faith.
Blessings to all of you who are persevering through your unique battle. I wish you all the strength and encouragement you need to carry on.
Love,
Perseverance is so important! I remember being overwhelmed by projects, but nothing ever beats the feeling you have when you are finished. =) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it!!! We are all overwhelemed sometimes, but I know you'll make it!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great quote, too, by the way!
Hang in there! I felt the same way all throughout grad school, always thinking in the back of my head that there was no way I could get everything done. But what do you know, I did get it done, and you will too!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement you guys. Congrats Alana on your master's! That's very cool!
ReplyDeleteLove that scripture! And I feel ya about getting distracted. I'm doing all online this semester & boy is it testing me! Totally tempting to just browse other sites and blogs on the internet. Just keep swimming :) You're almost done and it'll be so worth it!
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