Original image: 'Children of Mareerey' http://www.flickr.com/photos/7415626@N04/1267694021 by: LM TP
Hillary Clinton reminded us that it takes a village to raise a child. Turns out, it also takes a village to write a dissertation. Along with showering me with all manner of chocolate options, good health, a computer that works, and a sunny place to work, God has blessed me with a mighty fine village. In fact, I'm surrounded on all sides by people cheering me on. There's a mandatory part of the dissertation-writing process that requires some serious grumbling and gnashing of teeth -- but really, it's not as bad as all that. Not when your writing group provides a steady stream of feedback and encouragement and significantly demystifies the whole process. Not when you have friends who are on the other side of the PhD mountain who really get it. Not when you have family and friends who actually think you are up to the task (whether or not your are) and believe your project will change the world (whether or not it really will). Not when you have an adviser who gives you total freedom and all manner of timely support. Not when all of these people have endless capacity for compassionate listening. Not when the Lord is clearly paving the way.
Blessings to the villagers, each and every one.
(Disclaimer: I fear this will only be a temporary cessation of grumbling, but let us cherish the moment nonetheless.)
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