Crunch Time
It is that time of the semester when I always start to feel a bit overwhelmed. This last week, for instance, has been an exercise in frustration during which I have been struggling through an Augustine/Aquinas paper on the relationship between faith and reason. I naively thought that the 8-12 page paper would be easy enough that I could get by without figuring out an overall organization/structure beforehand. Of course, that plan has since backfired on me. Not only has it been difficult to keep some semblance of cohesiveness and conciseness to the paper, but the last week has been absolutely packed with things to do.
I thought that I would finish the paper on Wednesday, but then I had all my typical classes, a discernment dinner along with Mass in the evening, and Adoration that night, so I didn't get very far - 6 pages done. Over Thursday, I thought for sure that I would make some progress, but then I was busy keeping on top of metaphysics and calculus during the day, we had Adoration and Mass at Marian in the afternoon, then I played racquetball, did schola practice, and was left with only the late evening (when I don't seem to get anything done), and predictably didn't get anywhere - 7 pages done. Surely, I thought, I could finish it off on Friday - not! My day was again full of classes, and though I tried to get stuff done in the afternoon, I didn't know where exactly I was going, and then Fr. Presta, the vice-rector of Mundelein seminary, visited in the evening, and once again I didn't get anywhere - 8 pages done. Saturday? - nope. We had Mass, then a work session, then ministry, then a community dinner, then a marshmallow roast (which was a blast!), and I didn't get to bed until midnight, having gotten little completed - 8.5 pages done. Sunday? - no again. I cantored at Mass, then hung out with some guys who had been here last year and were visiting, then I struggled through another page of the paper, then took a short nap, then had a community dinner, then had Holy Hour, then our last football game, and then I went to bed having gotten little progress made - 10 pages done.
Basically, I have concentrated just about every free minute of the week on one paper, and it still isn't done. I was hoping to knock it out quickly so as to get going on my harder and longer papers due in Senior Seminar and Metaphysics, but the combination of my lack of planning and a packed week just didn't work to my favor.
Anyway, that is what I've been up to over the past week. Unfortunately, the next few weeks look to be just as packed, and I'll have just as much to get done, but I guess it will all get done eventually. Man, this post wasn't very positive was it? Ah well, I've been having a lot of fun, reading a lot of good sources, and - you know - it's been good, just busy. Tonight the Springfield guys have a vocation night at Eastern IL university (I think at the St. John Newman center) organized by Fr. John Titus. It should be fun, but, again, it will cut into my time for doing schoolwork. Gosh, I wish I wasn't so busy staying on top of school and had more time to work on the other areas of formation (or maybe just had some free time...) Anyway, I guess I better get back on it.
Keep the courage....all will be accomplished as long as you keep chipping away. I think most of us are more productive under pressure....and it will sure feel good when you look back and see the finished product!
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