Tuesday Fragments with Dystopian Shadows

Today I feel a bit fragmented, which should be a surprise.  I have spent the last week with divided attention:  writing a last paper for seminary class which was due yesterday (and turned in), the endless grading that comes with the end of the semester, Holy Week's extra obligation, and in-laws here for a visit.

And yet, I've done more poetry writing in the last week than I would have thought would happen--hurrah!  Is it because of the evocative nature of Holy Week readings and imagery?  Because I've had more poetry writing as part of my classes as classes wind down?

I am surprised and happy by how my final paper came together--now I need to write a reflection paper, and I'm done with one class.  I have a paper to write for my New Testament class, but it's due on May 1, so I don't feel quite as panicked (panic sure to come).

Today is my last day driving down to Spartanburg every day, so my time opens up in some ways.  It is also a retreat week for me:  my favorite retreat, the Create in Me retreat, starts Thursday.  But because I have class on Thursday night, in some ways it won't really feel like the retreat starts until Friday.

In later years, will I wonder why I didn't write more about the death of Pope Francis?  Will I wonder why I didn't move my money out of the stock market back in December (yes, I already do)?  Will I wonder why I wasn't solidifying plans to move out of the country?

In terms of possible dystopian futures, I'm not sure there's a place to escape to--I don't have lots of money, and I only speak English.  I have some skills, but I don't know if they're transferrable to another country.  Here I have connections and a job and a house that is paid for (for however long that continues to matter).  Much to my surprise, I'm at a liberal arts college that is in much stronger shape than much of higher ed, so I'm not in a hurry to leave.

But dystopian futures are a subject for another day.  Now I need to bring blogging to a close--my in-laws will be here soon to have breakfast and say goodbye.  I need to bake cookies for today's classes.  Let me do the checking that feels endless these days, checking to make sure I haven't forgotten anything.