Not having a plan for post-graduation has been driving me crazy. Literally. It's alway in the back of my mind, if not the front. I know that I have a lot of options and opportunities out there, I just don't know exactly what they are. I recently had a revelation - that seminary is not exactly an option, it's a must. I've known that for almost 3 years now, but I've been treating it just as an option. Even if I choose not to seek ordination (which I likely will), I still need to go to seminary. There's no rhyme or reason for it. That just seems to be the way it is. And despite my attempts to run from it, I get pulled back in every time. So I've resigned myself to the fact that this is part of my future. But at the same time, Social Work doesn't exactly seem like an option, either. It's more of an option than a must, but it feels like it should be part of the plan. That being said, I've been looking at my options - both Methodist and not. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), the only viable options I've found are with Methodist programs, which is fine. For a long time, I've hated Duke. Ok, not hated it, but not been thrilled by the option. However, they do have one of the better MDiv/MSW programs. Beyond that, Boston is my other option. But I'm comfortable with Duke/UNC - I'm comfortable with the area, the people I know there, the resources I would have, etc, etc, etc...

Ok, so the big plan. I've always planned to take a year off. I've had mixed emotions/thoughts about some of my options, especially ASP year-round. But knowing what I will likely be doing come August 2009, solidified it for me a little. People have mixed experiences with the year-roudn program. There's a lot of sitting around, a lot of Wal-Mart trips, a lot of nothing. But I'm okay with that. It would give me time to fill out grad school apps, take the GRE, visit my niece/nephew, visit friends, etc.

I guess that means the plan is ASP year-round (assuming I'm hired) and then Seminary/Social Work school (likely Duke). Although NONE of this is even close to written in stone, it's nice to have a better idea. It gives me some peace to know that I know what I need to do. I have a better idea of my calling and at least the educational components involved. Thanks, God...