PENnED

When I was in my late 30s and studying in a graduate theological seminary in Metro Manila, I dreamed of pursuing an area of study. And I was dreaming of doing it not just in any school but in a prestigious institution that was known for their graduate program in homiletics: Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ.

I studied well and did everything else to be able to compete for a full scholarship (tuition and other fees plus board and lodging). And it happened. Thank God!

After Princeton, however, I wasn’t really prepared to handle some unplanned and other things that came my way—these are things that they do not teach you at school.

I wish there was someone who took my hand and guided me as I navigated the tough life of doing further study and ministry at the same time. If you are seen by others as a confident young person, you might not get the help that you need. In that case, take the initiative.

Seek out someone, particularly an older and wiser person. And, perhaps despite your educational attainment or how smart you think you are, have the humility to open up and ask for help. I should have done that myself. But my yesterday is gone. Yours, however, may not be.