inspiring environs

The hardest part of writing papers has to be the shift from reading and research to forming a thesis, outlining, and beginning to write. I reached that point on my project today, so I decided to pry myself away from my cozy bedroom desk and air out my mind with a change of scenery. It was a great choice. 

I probably spent my day in some of the most academically inspiring surroundings that could be imagined. The shelf in front of me was laden with enormous centuries old books ( I kept finding myself staring at a 1624 edition of the Vulgate), the widow beside me had a postcard view of Oxford architecture, the ceilings were tiled with the University's insignia reading "Dominus illuminate mea" (or The Lord is my Light), along the moldings hung imposing old portraits in oil... from top to bottom, it was a scholarly dream. I will definitely be studying there more often...

I started at a cafe just off Turl street

 Passed the Radcliffe Camera portion of the library to the main Bodleian library building beyond it- and the sun came out!!! 

Photography of the room isn't allowed in the Duke Humphrey reading room, so I pulled these images from online so you can see where I was working.

See what I mean about an inspiring change of scenery? 

I  was in that third study bay on the left:) Despite being happy to the point of distraction, the inspiring environs did not disappoint and when I finally turned to my work the ideas just flew together. I literally went from not knowing how to begin to sort my thoughts to having a clear thesis in minutes! It was the best research to writing transition ever. 

 The view from the window next to me back at the Radcliffe. It was such a beautiful afternoon- the drizzle stopped and the sky was blue for over an hour... and the sunlight came slanting through those ancient panes... I was pretty much smitten. I felt like I could stay there dreaming studying forever. 

Stopping by the historic Divinity School hall on my way out- simply because its beautiful. The inspiring environs of my study today just underscored again to me what a privilege it is to be studying here this year and how grateful i am for this opportunity. Thank you all who helped me get here, all who continue to support my study and ministry, all who encourage me, and all who pray.