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which one?

Today is one of those days when I need the super-powers of decision-making and forward-thinking. There are so many things to plan and direct in the next few months and it all starts now.

I have to construct a tentative schedule for our small group for the next three months so that we don't all just show up and stare at each other while we eat potato chips (though admittedly that's not the worst thing that could happen). I have to choose which reading to do a class presentation on (which means skimming the whole coursepak) and get a topic for a Christology paper for this term. I have a paper to edit and submit to a publication and a major funding application to complete which needs me to outline what great contribution I will be making to society with my MA in Theological Studies. And I haven't even started my second course yet!

Probably the largest decisions right now (besides what to have for lunch) are choosing a track to follow for my MA project and selecting the area of concentration for a major research paper, both of which will take up a good portion of my energy for the next two years.
On the positive side of things, yesterday I turned down the offer to adopt another kitten, knowing that this was not the time to add to our feline population. Some things are definitely clear. Others are still a bit fuzzy.

This morning I read the story of Jesus turning the water into wine in John 2. I love that story, partly because it reveals the extravagant and restrained nature of Jesus all at the same time, but primarily because it serves no religious pragmatic purpose. No one is healed from a deathly illness. No one repents and gives everything away to the poor. Not one demon is cast out. People are partying, and Jesus makes the party better. He turns something ordinary into something very extraordinary. I like that. I need that. Every day of my life I want that.

Here is my water, Jesus. Turn it into something filled with spirit and kick and celebration.
This is a cider and a diet Pepsi at The Plough pub in Tyttenhanger near St. Albans, UK. You pick.
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