Perserverance

Perserverance. Sooner or later, we go through times in life that involve that word. We are tested to our limits; we must max out, hold on, fight to the end, keep on keepin' on. It's a battle so harsh that when we look back on it- it's enough to say we persevered...

That was my week.

A number of factors contributed to my fight to make it through. Various obstacles stood in my way, attempting to hold me back, or make me slip. These included:

1. The dreaded first Paideia paper!!! It was due Wednesday at 8 am. After countless hours writing the paper, I brought it in for revision last week...only to find that I had written in MLA format instead of Chicago style. Now I'm sure I speak for all incoming freshman who've had MLA drilled into their brains for four longs years, when I say that now that we've learned it, it would be nice to continue using it...not so. Which led to countless more hours switching to Chicago style.

2. My serious dearth in sleep!!! (for anyone who isn't sure what the definition of dearth is, it means "serious lack of") What led me to lose so many zzz's this week? On Tuesday we went to Simpson for a volleyball match. Since I'm from Texas (and am very geographically challenged in Iowa), I wasn't aware until we left on Tuesday that Simpson is in fact 5 hours from Luther! It made for a very late night...with 8 o'clock class the next morning.

3. The loss of my roommate. Ok, not literally. She has mono and went home for the week. These days have been quite lonely. I even had to watch the premiere of Grey's Anatomy by myself! Talk about perserverance!!! :) Just to let everyone know, Christy (a.k.a. the coolest roommate ever) is feeling much better and will be returning to Luther on Sunday! I'm psyched!!!

4. I saved the worst for last- I have re-injured my knee. Now I know this doesn't sound life threatening but let me give you a little background: I've spent the whole last year recovering from ACL surgery in my left knee. When that was finally feeling better, I strained my right shoulder. When that was finally feeling better last week, I twisted my left knee in practice on Sunday....Needless to say it's been a hard first season- let alone week.

Oh yeah- I forgot to tell how I perservered all of those events!!! Oops! :)

1. Switching formats was frustrating, but I bought a Chicago style format book and was able to figure it out. I ended up with an awesome first essay! It was a great way to start off in the class!
2. The great thing about being on your own as a college student is that you really appreciate part of your childhood. You rediscover the beauty of returning to your old habits- one of which is napping! I've had to take naps everyday since Wednesday, and they totally kept me going!
3. Although I missed Christy a lot this week, it gave me a chance to get to know some other girls on my floor. It really showed me how important it is to get to know all the lovely ladies around me- because before that I was missing out on some really great girls!
4. As for the leg, I just have to stay positive. I know that I haven't hurt my graft which means no more 8 month recovery times! And I go to Mayo Medical Center on Monday to find out what really happened- I'll let you know what I find out!

So despite my stressful week jam-packed with road blocks and jumps to hurdle through (not literally because I've been on crutches!), I was able to not only survive, but also to overcome my problems and make it to the weekend! This is what I like to call: perservering!


Have a good week y'all!
Anna

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." -James 1:2-4

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail nor abandon you."-Deuteronomy 31:8