Graduation+2

I graduated college (again) two weeks ago yesterday. Frequently, the question arose, “what does it feel like to be done with school” and I have spent much time attempting to formulate an answer. It boils down to three words:

Routine:
My schedule, although hectic, maintained order throughout my CIU experience and evolved into a consistent routine by this previous semester. With the onset of summer, I have spent much of my mental energy disciplining a new way to live my life. Reading, working, lifting weights, praying, and socializing have found new places in my day. Now each of these pieces fit together much differently than they did three weeks ago. I hope to continue to solidify a lifestyle which fosters rich experiences and purposefulness.

Time:
I cannot recall the last time I had so much unscheduled time. I work right around full-time hours but “full time” makes up about 50% fewer responsibilities than I have had at any time in the past 6 years. From the age of 15 I have always had work + school or worked two jobs. Even on schools breaks I was doing classwork, preparing for CLEP exams, or raising support for CRU. I have made it a point not to over-obligate myself (although easy to do) so that I can live life richly and take this season to rest in a special way.

Rich
Making my own routine with the large degree of unscheduled time blesses me to invest in things which I benefit my growth as a person. I have immersed myself in literature from classic philosophers and theologians (i.e. Aristotle and Augustine). I have taken advantage of the city I live in (two beach trips, local restaurant specials, and free city attractions-the like Philharmonic). I have also evaluated and adjusted my social relationships (more intentional time with some people, more social time with others, and less time overall with a few). I am excited to continue to do these things with the hope of a rich summer ahead.