How's your soul?

Everyone keeps asking me, "How is seminary? Is it harder than undergrad? Do you feel closer to God?" 
I don't know if I would say that I feel closer to God because of seminary. I know that I can say that I have a much better understanding of the religion that I'm involved in, but I wouldn't necessarily say that seminary is directly tied to my relationship with God. I'm more aware of the nuances in the religion, but my relationship with God is still highly dependent on my individual dedication to seeking the face of God. That is the case with any relationship. The more you spend time with that person, the more you understand him/her. I can read a book about George W. Bush. I can watch his interviews. I can look at which bills he approved or vetoed. I can study him for as long as I want, but if I want to understand the true George W. Bush, then I must sit down with him in person. So that's how I've been treating my relationship with God, especially in seminary where it is really easy to compartmentalize understanding and faith. I set time aside for God every day with a worship set, private prayer, a Bible reading, and then I ease into the day. I go to class and learn about God, but in order for me to know God better I must make an effort to spend time with God. 

But it's still only the first semester. I have five more to go before I can say how I feel about seminary. Right now, sure, seminary has helped me feel closer to God. Right now, sure, seminary is harder than undergrad. Right now, sure, seminary is good. But it is only because I have set aside time to spend time with the One who brought me to seminary. 

Anytime that I call my dad in my distress, which tends to happen more often than I would like to admit, he always finishes the conversation with, "How's your soul?" 
It might seem like a simple question prompting a simple response, but after pondering it a little, I really don't know what to say. I guess my soul is fine, but I'm not really sure. In those moments of weakness when I've probably said things that I wish I hadn't or thought things which I know are unholy, I wouldn't know how to respond to such a question. I would hope that God would grant me a little grace in those moments. I mean, Jesus said to God, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" If the Son of God can feel out of touch with God even if for only a millisecond, then surely I could get a little grace.

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."—1 Timothy 1:15-17