A NEW ACADEMIC YEAR

“Study to show thyself approved unto God…” [II Timothy 2:15 K.J.V.]

It is hard to believe but another summer is gone and it is time for another school year. Education is a very important thing and regardless of your age, everyone should still be learning. However, not everyone agrees with this way of thinking.

Fortunately things have changed a lot since I begin my ministry but I was asked several times: “Are you a ‘Called Preacher’ or an ‘educated’ one?” This was always phrased in some a way that there was no doubt the two were mutually exclusive and being a “Called Preacher” was much better than being an “educated” one. I soon developed this answer: “I’m a “Called Preacher” who is perusing an education.” Some people accepted that answer and some still believed that an education would be the ruination of anyone, especially a preacher.

I found comfort is Paul’s words to Timothy found in the verse of scripture quoted above. Study to show thyself approved unto God. So that is my advice to you. So no matter if you are starting pre-school, elementary, middle school, high school, college, an advanced degree or have been out of school for decades, study and continue to learn.

I found the following in an issue of Windows of Asbury which is published by Asbury Place which is affiliated with the Holston Annual Conference. The article did not name the Arthur but I think it is good advice. Use it well.

10 Simple Steps to a Happier Life

Be a part of Something You Believe In. Have a cause, volunteer, join a group, a church, a social club, and be passionate about a cause.
Spend Time with Friends & Family. The most important ingredient to happiness is to have meaningful relationships with other people.
Focus on What’s Good-Avoid Negativity. Be aware of your daily successes no matter how large or how small they seem.
Exploit the Resources You Have. What do you have in addition to your limitations? What are you good at? What are your gifts? Use them.
Set Goals. Goal-setting gives you something to look forward to, something to work toward, and creates structure in your day-to-day life.
Be Honest with Yourself & Others. When you really know who you are, what you want, and you are being true to yourself with actions that match, your happiness quotient will go up.
Savor the Natural Joy of Simply Pleasures. Enjoy a quiet time watching a bird or the clouds.
Learn Something New. The more you learn, the more aspects of your life you can be aware of, appreciate and enjoy,
Focus on Forgiveness. It frees the mind and heart to go forward in your life.
Laugh! As the old saying goes: Laughter is the best medicine.

Richard