Do I hear the bell ringing? Is it time to go? Is school out? I know. I know. I know. Good riddance school. We are done with you!! We are at the point where we are begging God to increase the “care factor” in each student. These sweet, weary souls are pooped the heck out. I work in higher ed and I’m writing this with only two weeks to go until exams are taken for the spring semester. Our graduation is on May 3rd! Mere days away at this point. Don’t fail now, seniors. FINISH WELL AND STRONG! We can all but smell summer at this point. Every single semester and every single year we ask the exact same question with the exact same amuont of shock and astonishment on our faces like we have never been through this before. “Where in the world did the semester go?” Well, you guys. It went and it’s over and summer is fast approaching.

Summer may be approaching but I’m thinking about school in the fall because I need to decide in a matter of days if I want to go back to school and pursue my Master’s Degree. I’m 55 years old, ya’ll. Why in the world would I want to do this now? The Lord is so very patient and put this desire, which began as just a question to consider, years ago and I have not moved forward with it again and again. Several years ago I asked someone older what they thought about it, hoping for some solid cheers to pursue it, but instead asked me, “What’s your end result, Fran? What are you wanting to do as a result? What’s the end game?” Ummmmmm….I honestly don’t know. Why aren’t you jumping up and down and saying YES, YES, YES! DO IT FRAN!! I began to ask the same person more questions about the particular program I was considering and it felt like this same person was trying to talk me out of it. Maybe they were just trying to ask good questions helping me think through such a committment. I honestly don’t believe their motive was wrong, I just took it wrong and with my own fears and insecurities said to the Lord, “Nah. I’m not going to do this. Thanks for asking, though.”

A couple of years ago I considered another post grad program. I missed the deadline to apply and that door immediately closed. Strike two. I’m almost out.

A few meaningful talks with a coworker made me realize the Lord was reigniting this desire for me. I would sit and just grin over her and her love for academics and learning. I want to be like her when I grow up. She’s 27 years old. And for no other reason I want to just do it, say I did it, and of course learn everything I can along the way. Oh, and really more importantly than anything else to be obedient to what the Lord asked of me many years ago. Yes, Lord. You. I see you again.

I have no idea where this next step will lead but I am submitting my next steps to the university and Lord willing, I will begin our Master’s of Christian Studies this fall.

Don’t let age, or other people’s non-enthusiastic questions, the voices in your own head, or fears keep you from taking the next step with the Lord.

I’m now asking myself the question, “What’s the end game, Fran?” Maybe the end game is obedience.

One step at a time, my friends. One little ole step at a time.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I’m cheering you on!