Dear sisters in Christ, wives of seminary students,
For many seminary families, there are times during the seminary journey when the insecurity of transition can be....well, "uncomfortable."
Summer, after seminarians have received their vicarage assignment or call, is one of those times when hundreds of questions and uncertainties may arise in our minds. And anxieties of moving away from our dear friends...or them moving...or both of us moving!
Concerns I've heard over the past few summers at sem:
"All my friends left for vicarage! They will be back in a year, but then we'll be leaving for our vicarage....hopefully our paths cross next summer."
"My good friend has moved away...and it's for her husband's call. They won't be coming back to seminary. I may never see her again."
"We move for vicarage in a matter of days and I'll be leaving the friends that are more like family. What if I don't make friends during vicarage.... I'll only be there a year.... w h y make friends?"
Dear sisters in Christ, this seminary journey is such a great adventure! Yes, it has its sorrows and frustrations, but we are so blessed to have this opportunity and privilege of supporting our husbands through this trek and further the Gospel. The seminary community is rich with support, encouragement and comfort. As Philippians 4:19 reminds us, the Lord will provide.
During this time of transition (and always), let us count our blessings and keep our eyes on Jesus. Close friendships can be maintained (thank you email, Facebook, Skype, texting, phone, etc). Embrace where you have been placed...whether it be at seminary, vicarage, or call. Bloom where you have been planted and trust in His plan - He loves you and will always take care of you, even through the heart-wrenching pain of leaving beloved friends.
Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 12:1,2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
For many seminary families, there are times during the seminary journey when the insecurity of transition can be....well, "uncomfortable."
Summer, after seminarians have received their vicarage assignment or call, is one of those times when hundreds of questions and uncertainties may arise in our minds. And anxieties of moving away from our dear friends...or them moving...or both of us moving!
Concerns I've heard over the past few summers at sem:
"All my friends left for vicarage! They will be back in a year, but then we'll be leaving for our vicarage....hopefully our paths cross next summer."
"My good friend has moved away...and it's for her husband's call. They won't be coming back to seminary. I may never see her again."
"We move for vicarage in a matter of days and I'll be leaving the friends that are more like family. What if I don't make friends during vicarage.... I'll only be there a year.... w h y make friends?"
Dear sisters in Christ, this seminary journey is such a great adventure! Yes, it has its sorrows and frustrations, but we are so blessed to have this opportunity and privilege of supporting our husbands through this trek and further the Gospel. The seminary community is rich with support, encouragement and comfort. As Philippians 4:19 reminds us, the Lord will provide.
During this time of transition (and always), let us count our blessings and keep our eyes on Jesus. Close friendships can be maintained (thank you email, Facebook, Skype, texting, phone, etc). Embrace where you have been placed...whether it be at seminary, vicarage, or call. Bloom where you have been planted and trust in His plan - He loves you and will always take care of you, even through the heart-wrenching pain of leaving beloved friends.
Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 12:1,2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Jacob and I are in the call system and it is DEFINITELY a difficult transition time right now... not knowing where we will be placed and thinking about the future ahead when we have no idea where we are really headed.. Thanks for these encouraging words in this post (and in others) because this time is so HARD and it is encouraging to hear how other couples are successful, happy, and trusting in similar situations. There are so many changes coming up for us that it will definitely be a challenge to avoid worry and give it all up to God. Thanks Sarah!
ReplyDeleteOh you're so welcome, dear! Life transitions can be tough - but really, it's what you make of it. Bloom where you're planted...whether it be in a garden, a crack in the sidewalk or in a cow pasture. Something I was told by a wise woman, "It's what you make of it. Have a positive attitude - it does wonders." Blessings to you and Jacob as y'all begin your adventures. :-)
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