I Did It! Let the Celebration Begin!

The last paper has been written! All the requirements are met! I am one of the newest Master’s of Religious Studies graduates! To God be the glory! I almost didn’t get here.

I was writing my last final paper, with twelve-plus pages required! I felt so hopeless and stressed that my mind stopped functioning. I emailed the professor to see if I had enough points to earn a C if I didn’t complete the paper! If I didn’t, I would just have to take another course next semester. Yes, I was (still am) tired, pretty exhausted. I am not a quitter, and it takes a lot to make me despair to the point of paralysis.

I had been busy every weekend with church obligations and school responsibilities, stretched nearly beyond physical and mental endurance. My grandson, who is 42, still needs Grandma Gina for advice, and my husband can’t be taken for granted. My house needs a crew of cleaners because I decided that something had to wait, and because no one comes to visit my husband and me, the housework went undone.

But I prayed and asked the Lord for a double dose of strength and energy! I sat down and took a breather. I reminded myself that I had been here before. I had completed a 275-page dissertation for my doctorate, so I could complete 12-16 pages. I had done the reading and formulated an outline in my mind. Just sit down and let it happen as only you know how, Regina! I was making it harder than it was, and that is what stress does to me. I emailed my professor to disregard the first email because I will write a final paper, no matter how long it takes (although the deadline was last night).

It got done! Sixteen beautiful pages! The last requirement! Freedom is here! I started the newest Inspector Gamache book and the latest Anne Hillerman Chee, Manuelito, and Leaphorn book! I will binge-watch on Acorn, Britbox, and MHZ. Murders galore! Thank you!

But, more importantly: Now I write! Blessed blogging! Free to see every prompt and make it mine! Free to inspire, encourage, entertain, and give hope in poetry and prose, remembering to add my copywriter clause! Free to read all of the over 200 blogs I follow that are still being written! Free to comment on blogs that give me hope, make me laugh, remind me of the power of poetry to heal our souls and how a good story teaches us that we are more alike than different. Free to be part of the community of bloggers, where people who live long distances and will never meet form friendships and bonds that cross all races, ethnicities, genders, classes, ages, generations, and political leanings!

I Did It! 73 and a new college graduate! Don’t ever stop dreaming! So, what’s next? I am excited to see and do whatever it may be. Lead me, Lord Jesus!

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