Last Day

So I have know it was coming, but I never thought it would get here. I am finally done taking classes at Candler. I woke up today and found that it was just like any other day, except I had to dress up for a presentation. My roommates were both awake and doing their morning routine. Which was kind of strange for a Friday since Yair is never up until after Dave and I leave the house. However I still felt strange. I think it all start last night.
I finally was able to attend an advent service at Candler. They put up fake greens this year so I am not allergic. It was the service of heartbreak and hope. As I sat and thought about the past three and a half years I began to be afraid. Afraid of what is to come next. I don't have a job yet and my faith has just seemed so challenged this past semester. I cried over the loss of my friend Katie, the cancer in my dog Lynn, and the life I am now leaving. I also gave praise to God for the good times, and the plans he has for my future. As I passed the peace (hugged) with my friends and colleagues I began to realize just how much I would miss Candler.
Back to today. My final presentation went well in my Ethics class. We all ate breakfast and enjoyed the class. I got to lead a congregational meeting with my class members over the use of designated moneys. Then I got to go to my favorite class Preaching with Tom Long. I listened to my peers give Crisis sermons and began to see how real crisis is in everyday life through their eyes. At the end of Class Dr Long looked out into the class and told us that when we are preaching and there is an empty space in the congregation he in that space in spirit cheering us on. When he said those words he look right at me and we meet eyes. I could not help but just let the tears flow. I knew that even though I have doubts about my future and where I will go next that God has a plan for me and that Dr Tom Long believes in me and my calling. He has been a great influence on my preaching and carer at Candler. Dr. Long has even become my academic reference. I now know that others believe in me and now I just need to believe in myself more.