Proverbs 1:2-9
"To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, (3) to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; (4) to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth-- (5) Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, (6) to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. (7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (8) Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, (9) for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck."
I love to learn. My learning since college has taken such unforeseen twists and turns and I've ended up teaching knitting and crocheting to some young ladies the past 2 years. What a lovely time I've had!
Job 28:28
And he said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'"
I've learned so very much in college, but honestly, I've learned more useful true to life skills by studying books, reading articles, and watching videos to learn what I wanted to know. I enjoyed college, but I truly was "forced" in to taking classes with professors I did not like. When the only professor available is that "one" professor, and you want to graduate at a certain time, you have to do what you have to do. I took the class and received a B by just barely getting by, but only because I had to. No, I did not work to the best of my ability, I shamefully admit. However, the way around dealing with professors who do not have one's own interest at heart is to attempt something else.
I've found that self directed education is a wonderful tool. If you've seen the book list along the left side of my blog, you'll see that there is a huge list of books with a variety of topics ranging from gardening to education and marriage to spiritual growth. On my life's path, these are topics that have come to my attention that I need to study. It is only with conviction of heart and soul that I currently study the topics along the side. Once things become needful, it's time to gain knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (6) In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
I've looked in to returning to college to finish my degree. I've gathered my transcripts, searched out reciprocal teaching laws for the state certifications, searched out costs of colleges in Georgia, Liberty University for online courses as well as a local University. I've prayed and sought out counsel from my dear husband. Now I'm letting it be for a while. If the Lord so desires for me to finish my degree, then He will make it abundantly clear, providing for the way. If not, then I will take that as a closed door and that the Lord has something else in store for me.
Plans for my husband's retirement are in full swing and finishing my degree is but a small part, if the Lord so desires. If it isn't His will, then he will open a door to go a different direction. It's always His way of doing things, I've found. His way always turns out to be the best way. The hardest part is the waiting.
In reading the most recent Above Rubies Magazine, I found an article titled "Success Without College" that looked intriguing. There is a book recommendation called Chucking College by Melanie Ellison. I'm getting ready to read the excerpt and discuss it's merits with my hubby. I haven't read the whole article yet, but I will read it this evening. If you've read it already, please feel free to post your thoughts in the comments!
