Get Unstuck
By Mike Thompson
Graduate Enrollment Counselor
mthompson@sagu.edu
Last winter, while I was driving with my family across the Sierra Nevada mountain range during a heavy snow storm, I realized how similar winter storms can be to times we experience in our lives.
As we transitioned from the foothills to higher elevations, the road conditions grew steadily worse, causing real difficulty to some of the traffic that surrounded me. Some of the drivers recognized they were not going to be able to proceed and turned around. Others attempted to move forward, only eventually to get stuck.
As a Christian, I believe that is it not uncommon for individuals to find themselves stuck or redirected as they pursue God’s call. Stuck, I define, as being bogged down or obstructed from progress in one’s life and ministry. People that are stuck find that the skills they presently hold have taken them as far as they can.
As we continued on that mountain road, we began to see signs warning drivers that only vehicles with chains or snow tires would be able to continue. Eventually, drivers came to a check-point where vehicles without the proper quipment were sent back. Perhaps like the drivers that were on the road that day, you might find yourself at a point where you are stuck, being forced to consider taking a different path, maybe the path of graduate education.
During my time as a youth pastor, I found that I needed further equipping to be successful. The Lord graciously redirected me to receive that training at the Graduate School at Southwestern. I believe that the faculty here at Southwestern will help give you the “equipment” that you will need in order to make progress in the call God has on placed your life—whether that be in the area of Education, Counseling Psychology, or Theological Studies. I believe that you will find the faculty and administration here at Southwestern genuinely interested in you, your needs, and in your spiritual and intellectual training.
As one of those drivers who knows what it is like to be redirected, I would like to encourage you toward graduate education.
Take that step today and contact me toll-free, via 1-888-937-7248, ext. 4817 or by sending me an e-mail: mthompson@sagu.edu.
Come learn from those who have already been there!