The Next Step

Lately God has put it on my heart to go to seminary.  At first, I dismissed the call and decided it wasn't for me.  A few months passed, and it popped up again almost out of nowhere. 

One thing I've noticed in my life is a recurring pattern that when you're looking for something, you can't find it; but when you're not looking, it finds you.  This was how I met Christy, I had finally stopped looking, and knew it would happen when I least expected it.  It happened exactly when and how it was supposed to, and that's ok with me!  

As I mentioned in my last blog, I have struggled with direction in my life.  It took me almost two and a half years to pick a major.  I graduated with my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Georgia Southern University in May of 2009.  I thought I was all set and began the career search.  I had never really had a strong calling about what I should do, and have changed my mind more times than I can count.  Most of my aspirations have been for personal and financial gain.  God's work is different.  This time is different.  It is not about me, it is about serving Him and bringing Him glory.  That is what I care about doing.  That is why we're all here. 

People my whole life have asked me what I want to do, and what I want to be when I grow up.  I have never had a clear cut answer, even lately, a year and a half after receiving my college degree. I still work in the same place I worked as a college student, and although there has been some talk of promotion, I am not sure anything is ever going to change here.  Just when I stopped looking, and became content with what I have, God put this awesome way to serve Him on my heart!

I had never heard of getting a degree in Pastoral Counseling until about 6 weeks ago when we were up in Atlanta. We were at Christy's grandparents house and I was talking to her Grandpa, Cecil Murphey, about paths and direction. He suggested that Pastoral Counseling might be a good fit for me, given my background in Psychology. Ever since then, it has been running through my mind non stop, and I could actually see myself doing this.

I have applied to a variety of graduate programs in the past year and a half, and even started one.  One thing I came up with is I don't want to do anythign apart from God.  That certainly includes school.  I believe God is the answer, and could not counsel anyone without talking about God.  This is why none of the other paths worked out, and I can see that now.  God doesn't make mistakes, and nothing sneaks up on Him or catches Him by surprise.  Everything that happens, no matter how bizarre or unfortunate it is, happens for a reason.  He does this to prepare us for His future use, to give us the ability to tackle things as they come. 

I began the college exploration process again, and had a hard time finding one that was a good fit.  I was seriously considering Global University, and Southeastern University. This weekend we went to Waffle House after church, and my friend Matthew suggested I check out Liberty. As soon as I looked at it, I knew this could be the one. I chatted with an admissions counselor, and applied over the phone about an hour ago! I will be pursuing the M.A. in Pastoral Counseling. I know if this is God's plan, it will work out.

God talks to us in a variety of ways, but often times through other people.

I will keep you all posted as I find out about the admissions decission.  If I am accepted, I will begin January 17th, 2011.  It will take me about 2 years to comlpete the degree, which will be challenging while working full time as well.  "...With God all things are possible"  Matthew 19:26 NIV.

Thanks again for reading, and God bless!

Scott