One thing have I asked of the Lord;

one thing I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life;

to behold the fair beauty of the Lord,

to seek God in the temple (from Psalm 27).

These words from Psalm 27 are the “opening sentences” for each day’s office of morning prayer in Celtic Daily Prayer. They offer wise counsel as we journey into the last third of the fall term.

So much has happened this semester. Some assignments have been completed and others are under way. Art of Ministry internships have brought gifts and challenges. Students in clinical pastoral education are visiting patients, presenting event accounts, and exploring theological and vocational identities with their supervisors. Faculty members are busy with teaching and writing, committee meetings, and community leadership. Staff persons are planning events and providing vital leadership and support.

And we have found ourselves this doing all of this during a pandemic, as a contentious election season draws to an end, and in the midst of ongoing individual and communal life challenges and difficulties.

So, a new week begins. We have a new President-elect and Vice President-elect. Students are meeting with advisers to plan for the spring semester. We have hope—and worries—about many life realities. I wonder. In the midst of the chaotic swirl of daily schedules and the stresses of academic deadlines and other life responsibilities, can we lean in and hear the Psalm 27 poet asking: What is the most important thing that you are asking of and seeking from God as you undertake this work of theological education? What is the source of your calling to ministry or to this educational journey? 

My fellow Wake Div-ers, please hear my gratitude for each of you. Your presence in our community and your ministry callings—the passions and dreams that led you to theological education and Wake Div–they matter, and they make a palpable and prophetic difference in the places where you live and work, laugh and lament. 

Another daily office, this one from the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer, includes in its Night Prayer these words:

It is night after a long day.

What has been done has been done;

What has not been done has not been done.

Let it be.

The night heralds the dawn.

Let us look expectantly to a new day,

new joys, new possibilities.

In your name we pray. Amen.

Even as uncertain and wearying as much of 2020 has been, we can hold to the divine promise: Night follows day follows night as we move through the weeks of each semester of work and learning.

During this particular week of sunrises and sunsets, may we “let be” into God’s Spirit both what has been done so far and what has not yet been done even as, restless for communal transformation, we continue to undertake our shared mission to be agents of justice, reconciliation, and compassion in our communities.

Be sure to meet with your advisers this week and make plans to begin spring registration on Monday, November 16. Please reach out if you have questions as you consider your spring term or journey toward the end of this term.

To my amazing community, I offer blessings,

Jill Y. Crainshaw