When I first returned to school I was rather spastic about doing well. Imagine my surprise when just a few days into the second semester I received in the mail a certificate telling me I was on the Presidents list. I was so proud and amazed. I now have 2 Presidents list certificates and now with the one I received today, 3 Deans list certificates (1 semester I didn't get either). Somehow they don't seem to mean as much to me as they did at first. As I sat here and pondered this attitude, I wondered if it was because I now expect 1 or the other each semester? My conclusion is that while it is really cool that I made the Deans list, I am much more confident in my performance academically than I was at first, so I do not really need a piece of paper validating said performance. Instead, I take joy in knowing that I have done my best and the certificate is just a perk.
I think my goals are somewhat different than when I started. At first it was all about finishing what I began 30 years ago, perhaps even to make my mom, husband and children proud of me. Now it is more...I love what I am learning and I can't wait to get out there and do a good job--perhaps put some away for the future. We used all of our future savings taking care of Marshall and Ethel. Now Bill is again looking for work. I know the Lord has something for us and I am practicing patience waiting on the Lord, while doing everything I can to make good things happen. It is going to be great, not because of some certificate, but because Heavenly Father blesses us for serving him faithfully!
