Ode to the Classroom

I’ll admit it — self-directed study is hard.

It’s hard because you’re in the “class” by yourself.

It’s hard because you don’t have automatic discussion every Tuesday and Thursday with a professor pushing you to do your best.

It’s hard because there are so many other things — husband and housework and cooking and cleaning and a full-time job — that slowly inch in and suddenly, the time is gone.

Please don’t misunderstand — I love my wifely duties and I’m thankful for my job.  It’s just hard to keep up with all three.

I was laughing at myself last night as I looked at my lonely-of-late Lend Me Your Ears.  It looks so academic sitting there.  But for the past few weeks it has been just that — something to look at.  My grand intentions of reading 5 speeches a day was… grand.  I didn’t see summer coming and, although convinced I’d have all this free time, it hasn’t happened yet.

That’s why I’m anxious for class to begin.  I’ll have a community of learners to dialogue with, a set reading and study schedule, a professor pushing me to learn and excel.  It will be a good and welcome change.

For now, I’m reading at a more “summerly” pace, and learning to enjoy the process.  It’s a journey, not a destination.