Options

These days there are plenty of options when it comes to going back to school -- part-time, full-time, online, summer intensives -- if you're willing there's a way. All of these are meant to make it easier and more convenient making use of modern technology.

Knowing this, begs the question, "Michael, why pack up and move the whol family to Grand Rapids for three years?" It certainly seems like the hardest way to go about it. Believe me, I asked that question. After all, I know several people right now, who live in Sioux Center, hold down good jobs, and are either going to seminary online or driving to Sioux Falls a day or two a week. Wouldn't that be easier?

Well, I suppose it depends on your definition of easy. To me, that seems harder. I can't do this by myself -- chatting on online forums, exchanging e-mails, or being hunkered down in the library every weekend reading and pounding out papers in some dark corner.

I need to do this with other people. I need to ask questions, share ideas and see reactions -- facial expressions. I need to hear if someone is angry, see if they're confused. It's hard to do that online.

I also want to be able to hit the ground running. If I'm going to do this, I need to DO it. I can't add it to my already full-plate. I want to be able to pour myself into my study, to focus on it and do it well. For me, that means giving it the attention it deserves.

This means lots of changes for our family. But, as we've talked about it as a family, we wouldn't want it any other way. We couldn't imagine doing it any other way. As the saying goes, "You gotta do, what you gotta do."

So, we're taking our leap of faith, stepping outside our comfort zone, and moving on -- with fear and with confidence.