I know that Exam Week is a bear, and there should be no delight taken in any aspect of it - but I love the feel of the place this time of year. And I am struck by the use of the building as an over-sized study carol.
The devotional guide I follow has me reading from one of the books which may not be in your version of the Bible. It is Wisdom of Solomon. This is one of the books considered scripture by the Roman Catholic Church, but not by most Protestants.
In this book (which reads very much like the more widely accepted book of Proverbs), the virtue of wisdom is lifted up. We are encouraged to see the wisdom of God.
There is a difference between wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge is knowing "stuff;" wisdom means understanding the connection between things. What your professors hope is that you not only understand the material covered in class but you come to see the use of this information. They want you to become wise.
Which brings us back to why I am so excited to see you at the church, with your books and your notes and your desire to learn. I think the physical location of your study may help you as you seek to not only learn the subject matter at hand but come to understand that your education is also a calling. You are obtaining useful knowledge so that you might be in a better position to do God's work in the world. You are moving toward wisdom.
I will pray for you this week. I will be there to support you this week. And I hope my words will encourage you to see the larger picture and the greater ends toward which all this is drawing you.
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