Wow! I would have to say this is a TON of information to take in over the course of three days. But it has been good for me to learn and to recognize some things not only about myself, but about others.
Leadership and Architecture
Dr. Hoover was animated in her delivery as we talked about architecture, spaces, and how it is all around us. Perhaps it spoke to me because it is something I truly enjoy and I will be teaching in the Fall. Or that it is something I would like to actively engage in to integrate into my Capstone Project.
It was also nice because we got to go outside for about 30 minutes. That broke up the time in class to allow us to stretch, create, and enjoy what we were learning. It was also an engaging opportunity to apply our learning.
Upon finishing the morning session I hiked over to Dr. Cradall's office to talk about my Capstone Project. She was unaware I was doing an independent study this summer, so I am about three weeks behind. Thankfully I don't have full-time work this summer. I am looking forward to pushing through and getting this completed over the next few months.
She is awesome and gave me some very helpful information. I am looking forward to working on my project. I feel good about it and most importantly, I feel inspired about it.
I was supposed to head to the library after meeting with her, but I had a temporary freak-out moment because I couldn't find my debit card or ID. I thought perhaps it dropped out of my pocket in the Law Building, but to no avail it was not there. But I got a nice speed walk across campus in the meantime ;)
Eventually, after tearing things apart in my car I found them. Few! I promptly put them in my wallet and left for class.
Imagination and History
We are learning about the Rule of St. Benedict. It is an interesting concept. I am having a hard time staying awake and perhaps it will mean more to me once I read it. Dr. Carey isn't the most imaginative, engaging speaker. Or perhaps it is because it is the end of the course and we have been bombarded with information and learning over a period of 2.5 days and we've been in this classroom for the majority of the day.
During the first part of his presentation not only was I sitting on the front row, but I was falling asleep ... Oops ... So, to combat the issue I had to move and sit where I could plug my computer in and keep my fingers busy and my mind awake. There are a lot of people who are struggling as I look around the room. I don't feel so bad anymore ;)
But while I was sitting in the back there was a concept that struck me. The whole idea of the Benedictine Law is to become like Christ, to become one with Him, and basically how one attains Charity. I pondered on this and the question was raised: If one is to attain these things, they need to be a Benedictine Monk?
My background gives me way to say "No." Christ teaches us many times in the scriptures, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt. 5:48) and then later on after His ressurection, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect" (3 Ne. 12:48). So, if it is a commandment in the scriptures are we all to become monks?
Perhaps I am completely misunderstanding and will gain greater enlightenment once I complete the reading, but it seems so contradictory to so many other things we are asked to do by our Father in Heaven. One of my comforts comes in the greek translation of the word "perfect". In greek it means to become complete, made whole. I know that as I continue to rely on Him, I will one day become complete through His Atonement.
The day ended with dinner and good laughs. I sat at a table with people I hadn't really socialized with and it was awesome. Tony Andonoro was the only male at the table, but these women are strong, intelligent, and fun. It is so wonderful to be around women who are pushing themselves and striving to create something better not only for themselves, their workplace, and for those who associate with them each day.
I have been fed! (intellectually, temporally, and spiritually ...)
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