Reading and Chess

In the last few weeks I have realized how much reading I will have to do weekly in order to keep up on all of my classes. Honestly, when people told me seminary is not easy they were right! Now the classes themselves mostly make sense and are not too terribly difficult. But mix a social life with reading and taking care of a sick cat (well in my case only) and one realizes that there is not enough time in the day. But seriously, I am doing the best that I can.

I just recently switched to the Masters of Theological Studies program (from the Masters of Divinity program). And I realized that there is a bit of my character that can explain why. First let me explain the context.

When I was reading for my New Testament class, I noticed that what the author was talking about reminded me of the game of Chess. I got to thinking about that game and remembered that it is a game of waiting. The game of chess usually takes quite a long time if played with equal opponents. I thought to myself.. "Maybe that is why I do not play that game... I am not a patient person."

I try my hardest to be patient but I like to get things done. People who know me know that I tend to walk fast, drive fast (I can't stand being behind slow people!!), and in general just try to do things as quickly as possible.

Thus, when I get to do lots of reading, I want to get it done as quickly as possible. I have no patience for wordy books (ie. my Pastoral Care readings) and therefore I get frustrated.

My patience is also why I switched to a Masters of Theological Studies, I want to get done with my masters as soon as possible (while not wasting my time... like by reading the books mentioned above).

One of the sermons from last week said that we as seminary students need to learn to wait. I agree, in part. My seminary experience will be sort of like a game of chess. Strategic planning (mixed with a bit of impatience... no matter how hard I try to be patient), making the right moves, and lots of learning by observation.

Hopefully by the time I graduate I will be a chess master.