The past week has been NUTS! I mean it. There are normally those weeks that come around every once and a while that just take everything out of you. This was one of those weeks. Or at least that's how my mind had thought the week would be.
This past week I have written not one, but two research papers. Neither of which were just a little walk in the park. Both were on some pretty deep biblical themes and topics. My first paper for my Gospels class was about a hard saying of Jesus. I chose Matthew 5:48, "You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect." This was no easy task, to take on writing about what the interpretation of this text could possibly be. Then there was my Biblical Theology paper. This one was on Jesus as the Good Shepherd focusing specifically on John 10:14-18. I'm not sure how many hours I racked up at the library this week or how many cups of coffee I consumed or how few hours I sleep I received. But I do know that this academic venture taught me more about my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, than I had ever thought possible.
Quick moment of honesty, before this week I had only propped open my Bible to look at scripture passages read in my Bible classes. Back to my previous story.
Through the research and writing of these two papers I've learned more about the complete and perfect love that the Father has for me. I also learned about the Good Shepherd who is watching over me and knows me intimately more than I can even fathom. Through the research and writing and reflection of the scripture that HAD to happen in order for me to write I was deeply convicted of the lack of devotion to Christ and His Word that there has been in my life over the course of the semester. I've realized that I've lacked personal one on one time with my Heavenly Father.
Thus, I'm thankful for research papers. I'm thankful that the Lord placed these research papers into my semester to help me realize my need for His Word in my life. I've learned that the Lord is willing to do anything to reach and communicate with His sheep.
