Winter Issue 1
Every day could use a little Claire Perini. - Michael Townrow
Click here to download a PDF of this week’s issue.
Click here to download the Greensheet.
Up-Hill
By Christina Rossetti
Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.
But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.
Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.
Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.
Perhaps like me you find the week before term a stressful time. On Monday, since the calendar is still clear, I’m resolved to have at least two of my assigned books read; on Friday, I have yet to start the second. The failure tastes bitter. No assignments are due, and yet I start to feel the crushing weight of everything I need to get done. This, of course, changes when we actually dive in and focus on each manageable weekly portion instead of everything at once.
As we head into another term (still online and still with the world going crazy), remember: Go easy on yourself. Practice Sabbath rest. Take things one at a time. We’re all in this together. Ask for help. Reach out to friends who might need the same. It’s an uphill slog, but Jesus is walking with us. If this sounds like an empty string of platitudes, remember that I’m trying to convince myself as well.
On behalf of the editorial staff—me and Alice and Amy—welcome to another round of the Et Cetera.
Steven Gomez, Senior Editor
Why Are You Studying Theology?
By Mike Evanson
Being a student at Regent College, if you haven’t already, you will most certainly be asked questions about your education: What are you going to do with it? So, are you going to become a pastor or something? Don’t you have enough education already? Having spent enough of my time and money on theological education over the years, I have gotten these questions more times than I can count. Truth is, I haven’t always given very good answers. Here are some things I have learned though. These thoughts aren’t so much about the value of theological education (though I and many others around Regent could say much on the subject). Rather these are some do’s and don’ts that I have acquired from experience.
DONT’S
1. Question what others are doing with their lives.
This will only produce defensiveness. The last you want to do is turn the conversation into a contest about who is smarter or more pious or more ‘successful.’ It is natural to feel defensive when questioned. But it is incumbent on you to stop, take a deep breath, and come up with a loving response, as best you can.
2. Be embarrassed of your studies.
If you are at Regent for the right reasons (i.e. Jesus) then you have nothing to be embarrassed about. You are pursuing the right person. We are all on a journey and some roads are smoother than others. Yes, there are such things as wise and less wise decisions when it comes to our lives. However, I have fallen into the trap of trying to make every decision perfectly in the hopes of having the most optimally efficient life. This is a dead end. As the old saying goes: “The greatest enemy of the good is the perfect.” Do the good in front of you, study hard, seek Jesus and keep taking the next step.
3. Feel like you owe an answer to every person who asks.
There are people who you ought to be accountable to: your spouse, anybody who has supported you financially in your education etc. Those who are supporting you in your education deserve to know that their support is being well-stewarded. In fact, being accountable to them can be a great blessing. As you are open to them, they are the ones who will speak truth and inject energy into your life. You do not have to bare your soul and justify every one of your decisions to every person who asks. Don’t be rude. Don’t be arrogant. Sometimes a complete stranger may have an important word for you. (God once spoke through a donkey.) Just keep in mind who the people are that you are fully accountable to.
DO’S
1. Share what is exciting you about what you are learning.
This will help people see the fruit of your work. Even if they conclude that it isn’t ultimately ‘worth it,’ they will see your passion and excitement and recognize that if nothing else you are doing what you love. It can also be helpful for you. Sharing about your studies can renew your excitement and give you energy to hit the books.
2. Ask about their life and what is exciting about it.
It is important that you do this from a place of genuine interest. Many people feel that their life isn’t all that great or that they are stuck in a rut. Use this opportunity to ask questions as a chance to bring to light all the good things in their life. Ask about family and vacations. Help others see what is already good in their lives. This is a great way to turn a skeptical questioning into a positive exchange.
3. Share what you want to do with your education.
You may not know exactly, but if you do, then great. Share it. It will help others see the value of your education, and, who knows, it may lead to a connection. It may be that the person you share it with knows of an opportunity to put your education to work. If you don’t know exactly what, that’s okay. Share about what you are learning and how it matters to the world outside Regent College.
If you feel like responding to any of this week’s articles, feel free to write a letter to the editor by clicking the link below.