“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
I said I would go back to school. Finish my degree. I was sure I would do it. I traded in a full scholarship for a certificate in computer programming. I just needed to get into the workforce, make real money, and get out on my own first. …
Life has a funny way of messing with your plans. Perhaps you’ve noticed that, as well.
I did go back to school shortly after I got married. I completed four classes, but then went through a divorce and had to put school on pause—a very long pause as life became more complicated, and school just didn’t fit in. I never let go of the goal—it continued drifting in the back of my mind as I looked for a convenient time. Life continued to happen—I remarried, had a child, got divorced again, moved multiple times, and went through a complete upheaval of career and life. The goal to finish a degree drifted way into the background.
Some goals seem to reach a point of no return. The possibilities seem slimmer until that goal appears completely out of reach. And sometimes, God makes a way anyway (Isaiah 43:19).
I was leading a workplace Bible study and one of the women in the group worked for a small local Christian college. As I got to know her, I learned more about the college, and the possibility of going back to school was revived. Maybe I could still do this thing!
I had to go back to my high school and get my transcripts—on microfiche! Yes, it had been a long time. Digging up my old school records, ACT scores, and certificates was no small feat.
But in January 2016, I started school again. I thought at least I would have my bachelor’s degree in Christian Leadership by the time I turned 60.
I took two classes a semester for two and a half years. Then work and life got a bit too busy. I felt God leading me to write a book. I knew that was going to be a huge undertaking. I couldn’t imagine writing the book and going to school. I took a break for two semesters, but God wasn’t going to let me quit that easily.
During that time I met Janet, and the subject of school and not feeling I could see it through came up. Janet asked if I would be open to a conversation. We met for lunch, and she asked me what obstacle made me think I couldn’t continue. I said it was time. Upon further inquiry, she helped me realize I was probably spending more time than I needed out of my concern for getting an A. She coached me to “go for a B.” That coaching has helped me tremendously just to pause and know when my work was good enough. The funny thing is, I still kept getting A’s. I also got creative and asked my advisor if I could use my book as a project toward my degree. Sure enough, it became my senior capstone project.
Then my dad got seriously ill. I had to drop my first class in January 2020. He passed away in March followed by the world shutting down. I restarted in 2021 at the same time I changed jobs. This time, I was then determined to push through.
It is REALLY challenging to complete a degree later in life. There are just more unexpected twists and turns that can get in the way. But I’m living proof that it is completely possible. What has helped me is turning to God every step of the way for wisdom, for strength, for direction, and for the perseverance I needed to … Just. Keep. Going.
Here I am, eight years later, FINALLY getting my bachelor’s degree in a major that means something to me. I graduate on May 11th and I am so grateful for every person who has encouraged me! I’m grateful to God for placing the people I needed in my path and giving me the strength each day at the end of a long day of work to stick with the homework, do the reading, and, most of all, to learn so that I am better able to serve others.
People have asked me, “What will you do with your degree?” Well, at 52 I finally figured out what I want to do with my life. This degree is exactly in line with the work I do. So, I will continue to help as many people as I can realize that the work we do every day matters to God, that God deeply wants each of us to co-labor with Him, and learn what that looks like in practical terms.
This journey has been a tremendous blessing as I’ve learned, grown and seen God’s faithfulness supporting me every step of the way. He promises us that He is always with us—He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). His promises are true! I’m living proof!
