I went to church on Christmas Eve for the first time since...last Christmas Eve? probably.

Now, I was born, baptized, raised, and confirmed Catholic. I used to be very involved in my church, until certain circumstances, and then I wasn't. It's a long story.

However, in all that time, I never considered myself to be religious. More spiritual. And I still feel that way.

I don't like the idea of religion. Religions start arguments, fights, and wars. Religions group people together under a belief that not everyone shares. While religions may bring some people together, they place a huge separation between groups of people.

I don't believe in God. Not the Catholic idea of a God, anyway. Not the God that you should fear and be submissive to.

I believe in a higher power. I believe in someone who watches over you, helps you. I believe in someone who you talk to when no one else exists.


However, while I may not agree with or believe the same things that are being preached to me at mass, it was nice being a church again. I DO enjoy the community feeling of being there.

It's nice to see that the same people are doing the readings. It's nice to reconnect with old friends. It's nice to be a part of a community.

Does this mean I'll go back to church? No.
However, it's nice to remember how I got to where I am today.

And I'm liking where I'm at.

so, here's to you...

Today, my sympathy goes to those select FEW college students who have a busy end of their semester.
While most of us are out partying every night and living stress-free lives, poor YOU are stuck inside the library. studying.
Because, oh my gosh, you have FINALS?! i've never had to experience THAT before. That's so awful. I feel so bad for you.
And wait...what's that?! You have final PROJECTS due too?? that's just un-heard of! Those damn professors. Piling all that work on YOU and no other students.
And papers to write too?? You have got to just be making this up now. No college student has EVER written an essay before. You are the first. and the ONLY.
PLEASE.
tell me more about how much work you have to do. I'm intrigued. I've never heard of people having busy, stressful ends to their semester before!
Oh, wait. EVEN BETTER would be if you took a PICTURE of your assignments and posted it on Facebook! So that way, EVERYONE will know how busy you are and have sympathy for you.

So, here's to you, unnaturally busy college student! No one has ever had to endure what you have to endure! You have all my sympathy and I wish you the best of luck! And if you get ANOTHER assignment, or spend ALL NIGHT in the library...PLEASE let me know. I'll be sitting around doing nothing and will be ready to listen, because you are the only one with assignments.