That’s the height of the stack of papers on my desk. I remember when I was a kid and a babysitter said she had to write a 30-page paper. I was in awe. Since that time, I’ve written many papers. Most of them took me less time to research and write than the current one took me to (lightly) proofread (two weeks). Some of them were started and finished in less time than it took me to print this one (1.5 days).
The total page count is 895. That’s the least important fact about it, but it is the easiest symbol of the size of the project. I started in mid-January and I finished the first draft in mid-July. I worked about 40 hours a week, every week. My schedule prevented me from proofreading and printing until recently, but today it is done. About 2/3 of the way through the printing, I realized that my bibliographic program caused a last-minute error on every page. Should I go back and reprint 600 pages? I think not. My footnote separator bar likes being indented by an inch.
So when can you get a copy? Never. It may sound strange, but the fact of the matter is that though I’ve never spent so much time on any school project in my life, I am not at all proud of it. I always felt rushed. The goal was always to meet the next (self-imposed) deadline. If I missed one, it was cutting into the time on the next book. What can I possibly say that is better than those who have studied some of these books all of their lives? Nothing. But was the project worthwhile? Absolutely. But only as a beginning and not as an ending. It’s not only what is on the page, but what is in my head. I see the pieces better now, and I see the big picture better. I still have a long ways to go, but I feel that I took a monumental leap forward in the process.
On Monday, I ‘ll be back in the New Testament, starting with my last Pauline epistle—2 Timothy. I need to finish Hebrews to Revelation by December 17. More good times ahead.
Keep going Todd!! It will pay dividends in your teaching others. As a former and future teacher, you must know that you will never again have 40 hours a week to read and write….except maybe in the summer time. =)
Congratulations! Your hard work, discipline, and love for God’s Word continue to be an example for all of us who’ve had the privilege of being your students (and who continue to be your students now, outside the classroom). I know you still have much work to do, but it’s encouraging to hear about your progress.
Chris and Gunner – thank you for your encouraging words. Chris, you’re certainly right about the great opportunity here, but even a dream chance like this can get wearisome.