Uhuh… it’s that time of year again and exams are on the go. Now, at the beginning of the year, i was enthusiastic and was really looking forward to taking on all 8 subjects (part-time). 😀 Aight, turned out a little too ambitious, and i ended up dropping one a third of the way into the year. But then i sat with (am sitting with) 7. Hectic. Although, i’m glad i set an ambitious goal ‘cos, well, like the saying goes: “aim halfway and you just might get there” 😉
Anyhow, got Calculus coming up in a couple of hours. I got derivatives and integrals pouring through my brain- and i sure do hope that my head holds out until next week. One thing though… these exams, besides the actual increase in mathematical knowledge, have been filled with lessons, namely:
* take big chunks out of life
* and then don’t be scared to spit something out if the chunk really was too big
* you’d be surprised at what you end up handling vs. what you thought you could handle
* don’t delay your dreams for too long, as Jack would say, don’t let your dreams stay dreams.
* have fun
But then some revelations, more than lessons… and the real support for undertaking all the above. Without Lolly telling me to “go study” or being patient (smile and nod) while i rambled on about inductive proof or just making that cup of tea when i really needed it… indeed, the real prize for me is being able to just get through it and experience a lot of lovin’ in the process.
Of course, you also need to consider that “life” doesn’t stop either… the plumbing breaks, the interest rates go up, babies get born, jobs change, the house needs fixing, anniversaries, birthdays, community commitments; all that goes on “as normal”. And just getting through it all, in one piece, well, that’s *almost* prize enough. Which doesn’t mean i’d be happy if i didn’t pass any papers! 😀
Some things stretch and test you in ways you never imagined… and it doesn’t have to be a degree or a couple of exams… but being part of that process really adds *something* to everything, without ever being _that_ important on its own. And that, for me, is key. Nothing seems to have much significance on it’s own. It’s the space in which that thing contributes where learning, loving and living takes place.