Where, o where could I be?
30 Oct 2005
I contemplated a lot of other things to write about today.. there was the thing Combs did, or inspiration by Amy blogging about blogging, and I even took some random pictures of me just now hoping to get one worth showing. But alas, nothing happened. So since I spent part of the night thinking more about my future, I think I’ll go with that. I should preface this writing by saying it depends on whether or not I can pass Health and Wellness, which right now is not looking very promising. I loathe gen eds.
So here are the options, as I see them (in no particular order):
1. Go to grad school for ministry. I have looked and am looking strongly at going to Fuller (in Pasadena) for grad school. There I would get an M.Div with a concentration on Worship, and see where that leads.
2. After going to Fuller, I could join the Navy as a chaplain, or pursue further schooling with the intent of teaching at college.
3. I could go to grad school for a technical degree, such as Purdue’s MFA in Technical Direction. This would give me great experience in the technical arts, and would open up the door for jobs such as a technical director in a performing arts center, or would go very well if I chose to make it part of my Worship education. I would love to one day teach in a Worship program, teaching the practical side of the field. Sound and lighting, set design and construction, maybe a little music; something like that. This option either leads to a job somewhere, or (crap!) more schooling.
4. I could just find a job somewhere. It probably wouldn’t be anything incredibly stunning; but it would be a job nonetheless. It would pay bills, and hopefully set me on the track towards financial stability. It would also get me out into the world and out of the IWU bubble/college bubble.
5. I could learn how to fly. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and still want to do. I could go into the Navy to do this, or find a school somewhere to learn. I’m not sure what exactly it would lead to, but probably a job being a pilot somewhere.
6. I could take some time to explore the world. It’s a costly option because this one doesn’t come with Stafford loans, but it would be an incredible experience.
7. I could fail Health and Wellness and stay at IWU for another year. This is very unlikely, because I would probably just quit if I went through four years of college (and even managed a B+ in an upper level Bible class with Wilbur Williams) but couldn’t graduate because of the easiest class in the entire catalogue.
8. Something else.
Right now, all of the options sound appealing depending on the day and what mood I’m in. Generally the grad school options sound the best, though I can’t decide which one I like better. I certainly would enjoy getting my M.Div, but getting the MFA sounds like a lot more fun. Life isn’t all about fun, but if I had to choose what to do in school for the next couple of years, I am leaning towards the one with classes that make me actually want to go to them.
It’s late and I’m tired. I’ve probably said something outlandishly wrong, and I apologize. I’m not sure what it is, but entries like this always get someone riled up about something. Four words if you’re that someone: send me an email.
Oct 31, 2005 @ 16:43:13
I’ve got a proposition for you…I’ve been full of these lately, speaking of I’m still waiting on people to get back to me about new years. Anyway, my proposition is this, we travel around Europe. I’ll take my guitar, well load up some backpacks, well get odd jobs everyonce and while to support ourselves. I’m talking about disapearing for a while…though I’m sure what to do about my college loans…but hey no idea is perfect.
Oct 31, 2005 @ 23:37:35
Hey Josh,
I didn’t know you were looking at fuller! I’m graduating this June, but if you come out to visit before then, please email me and let me know. If I’m free I’d love to show you around or just take you out for a cup o coffee!
Nov 04, 2005 @ 19:17:00
Here’s some food for thought…
Seems that decisions are the topic of the week for both Joshua and his sister Jenna. We have all gone through those “what now” adventures. But being Christians you would think that the decision making process would be automatic and always based on what God wants for our lives. But we have this common illness that causes us to have selective hearing and make decisions based on emotions and not divine direction. Why is that?
The Word tells us that “my people shall know my voice”. So what is the initial process we need to recognize The Lord’s voice in the midst of all those other ones that we are hearing? First, we need to become familiar with his character and nature. That is exactly what the Bible shows us. If you want to get to know someone you spend time with them. How much time do we spend in personal fellowship with the Lord?
When I was in the process of putting together my Masters Thesis I spent a lot of time studying the Word as well as other materials. I got to the point where my personal Bible study got put on the back shelf, as well as my one on one time with the Lord. My rationalization was that I was spending so much time in studying to complete my “Christian” project that it was overkill to expect me to read the Word on my free time. I always found time to watch TV, hang out with my friends, or go on some adventure. Even with my studying I was able to find as much time as I wanted to spend in “the world”. The outcome was that when I needed to make a big decision I would quickly ask God, do it my own way and blame Him when it didn’t work out. I couldn’t have heard His voice in a public library, let alone in my clutter filled thoughts.
Though I was a “professing Christian” I had drifted far from God. I still went to church, led worship, taught a Sunday School Class and said all the proper “Christianeze phrases”. But I was running on an empty tank. Trying to live off the energy of that last “Jesus encounter”. Needless to say, I proved that scripture to be true where Jesus said, “of yourselves you can do nothing”. I wanted God’s direction, but it had to be on my terms. Just a small issue with pride and idolatry, don’t you think?
So if your facing decisions in your life why not try to do it “His Way”? In Matthew 11:28-30 we are told how we need to deal with it. Jesus says, ”Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”. The problem is that we just want to give him our burden and have him fix it. We quickly pass over the fact that if we sincerely want his guidance and relief we need to do our part and “learn of him”. As long as we try and make it happen in our own strength, even if it feels good for awhile we will still doing “our thing, on our terms” and not seeking or fulfilling the will of God in our lives.
Jesus said that he came to do the will of the Father…Shouldn’t that be the goal of every Christian?
Love Ya,
Richard