Back in the Saddle Again

I am going back to seminary…pending acceptance. I have received a higher than anticipated interest in this decision the last few days and decided the best mode of announcement at this point was to blog. Granted that one person with invested interested is higher than anticipated, but to be sure I’m a little surprised by the attention. It is a healthy confirmation that I do appreciate.

Shortly after Katrina, one of the most grace-saturated persons I’ve ever met told me that God’s education takes place outside of the classroom. His caveat was that seminary does have its uses, but often we find ourselves vetted outside its doors. Despite my initial reluctance to accept this truth I have engaged in four years of a different type of education. While I don’t hold that this education is far from over I think I may have, at last, earned this specialized degree. What degree did I earn? The MAE or The Masters of Arts in Exultation. It does not come with a marker such as a diploma hanging on the wall. Its Majesty is not demonstrated in the silver lining around the clouds, but rather the beams of sunlight that burst through the darkest storm clouds. Its Mystery is not discovered behind emotional scars and spiritual plights, but rather is found in the fact that there are no scars and the plights are exchanged for journeys. Its motto is not “God helps those who help themselves” but “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” I have begun to learn the lesson I wanted to know in my head but not my heart. Romans 5:2-4 “Also through Him, we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.”

So here we stand, as a family, looking over the next hill into the next valley wondering what God has in store for us as we seek to be obedient. Today, walking on the campus of Covenant Seminary, I recognized God’s good timing and His sweet and gentle touch over the last four years. I admit to many questions still. The logistics don’t make sense and they need His hand to be accomplished. Here we go – Seminary Part Deux. So for those asking – Yes I have FINALLY applied to seminary to finish a degree that took a hiatus in August 2005 with the coming of Katrina. I am looking to do a double major in Exegetical Work (languages) and Counseling. Pray, specifically that Covenant sees fit to grant me a scholarship although I am not applying for an MDIV and will not be a full-time student, which both count against me. However, the good news is that they will, at least, consider it.

Soli Deo Gloria