I've been somewhat absent the past few days. I've wanted to write, but I can't find any words - I'm exhausted by the seemingly endless barrage of mundane stresses that have been coming my way. Honestly, I'm tired of writing about this stuff, because I don't want to use this site as a venting post for all of my frustrations. But this latest issue has me somewhat rattled, and I'd like to ask for a small bit of prayer, if you would be so kind.

Here is the crux of the issue: not only did I miss my class last Thursday because of the problem with my Jeep, like a moron I completely missed class again on Saturday. No reason other than I thought it was actually a week later. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal - but in an accelerated program with six sessions per course, I've just missed one third of the class. I'm suddenly in serious jeopardy of failing my class for no other reason than I forgot to go. I've had to submit a request to the academic office to allow me to continue in the class without failing, and my instructor has been difficult to read - I don't know, even if I'm allowed to continue in the course, what he's going to do with my grade.

I hate to put this out here like this, but I feel that I need to offer some explanation for why I've been lax on responding to all of your excellent comments in my previous post as well as being unable to summon the mental energies required to generate anything interesting to write. The stress has been brutal, especially in light of my less than stellar luck of late. So I would ask that, if you would be so kind, please remember me as you pray - I need the academic committee and my prof to show grace in this situation so that I can graduate as scheduled.

UPDATE: The variance committee responded MUCH sooner than anticipated - I was initially told they wouldn't meet until next week. But it's been approved, so now I just have to chat with the prof to find out where my grade stands. Thanks for your prayers, and hopefully I can get back to thinking and writing creatively...

UPDATE2: Had a really nice chat with the prof tonight - didn't discuss the grade, but he was very cordial and understanding. We also threw around some thoughts on the gospel, Galatians, and NT Wright - very nice fellow. Thanks again to everyone for thoughts and prayers during a stressful time.