Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. ~ Ps 19:14
November was a good month for the Bakers for a number of reasons.
First, the weather was generally very pleasant for late autumn. Others might disagree, but I call raking leaves in a t-shirt a good thing. Frankly, any time spent outside in November with temperatures above freezing gets my approval.
Second, we spent some quality time with friends. The fourth-year seminarians had an evening together with drinks and snacks, as did the fourth-year seminarians’ wives. Pastor Christiansen (Zion) and his family invited us to their home for supper and some social time. We were able to spend a bit of time with Pastor Wurm (Mt. Calvary) and his wife while they were in Indiana for a DOXOLOGY conference. And I had the pleasure of celebrating with one of my seminary classmates during his wedding weekend.
Third, besides those events, our calendar was about as empty as it ever gets. Of course we had the usuals: SWA and Trail Life on Tuesdays, CC on Wednesdays, Schola rehearsals on Thursdays, but there weren’t many extras. Football had ended for the boys, although Logan has since started percussion lessons once a week. And despite missing our families at Thanksgiving, we were quite pleased with our decision to stay in Fort Wayne for the fall break. We made a day trip to Toledo to visit an art museum and a children’s science museum, but beyond that, we spent most of our time at home…and it was refreshing. (As is the case for many people, our December looks to be far busier. I have a significantly tougher course load this quarter, there are special Advent and Christmas events happening, and we’ll be doing some holiday traveling.)
Finally, November was good because on the 13th, I passed my theological interview! In a TI, a student sits down for about an hour with two professors who ask a variety of questions to assess the student’s Scriptural and confessional knowledge, his beliefs, his abilities, and his anticipated approach toward ministry. Essentially, it’s another formal opportunity for the seminary to approve or disapprove a student’s readiness for the pastoral office. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the only thing now standing between me and a call and ordination is 19 weeks of class and 32 credit hours. Prayers are still appreciated.
May the Lord grant you all a blessed Advent season.
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