http://www.journeyoflyle.com

Life does not always go as you plan or expect. At the end of August 2003, I started my formal graduate theological studies. At that time, my plan was to study and work hard for three years with my M. Div. If things had gone as planed, I would have achieved this degree by now. Things did not. In September 2004, I restarted my degree program at a new institution. This time it was a four-year program rather than three, and expected at that time to finish the program during or at the completion of the 2007-2008 academic year. Once more things did not go as planned.

I can still graduate in spring 2008, but if I choose this path I will not be graduating with an M. Div, rather with a Masters of Art in Pastoral Studies (MAPS). A much shorter workload, as all but one course and an internship could be done during the 2006-2007 academic year. If I choose this route I end up in a community that knows me, and that I also know. A community that welcomes the diversity of various faith traditions, including Community of Christ.

If I choose this route, I could possibly transfer back to the M. Div program, or at some later time take additional course work to receive that degree.

Just a few weeks ago when I was speaking to Dale, this is the option I indicated I would be taking after he asked if I was still on my “sabbatical.” (That is such a great word. Sound much better then the way I have typically referred to this time.) It is what I was expecting to do. It is the safe choice. It is the “easy” choice.

But, then I read my acceptance letter to my “back-up.” I was accepted into the M. Div program and was also being considered for the Master’s of Arts in Counseling Ministries (MACM) program. The day after speaking to Dale I had an “hour long” phone interview that according to the phone took less than 18 minutes. At the end of the call, I was told I was accepted into the program.

Thus, I was left with a choice: Return to the community I know, or go forth into the unknown. I have prayed and reflected upon this decision since then.

I have come to realize that returning to the School of Theology and Ministry (STM) at Seattle University is an easy, simple, safe choice. I know I will be accepted. I am sure I can complete the program, I know the area, and I know people in Seattle.

MTSO, though is the hard choice, I have not experienced that community. I do not know the area, the people. . . The people I know, and the area I know of Ohio is about 140 miles from the school (Granted that is closer than Seattle is to my family, but I know some people in Seattle). The program is longer, the MACM portion of the dual degree program will be a challenge for me.

As I have prayed and reflected over this decision, that will affect my life, several things have come to mind:

First, a sense, a feeling . . . from my senior year of High School, that I expressed during the closing worship of Camp Israel (Senior High Church Camp at Lewis River Camp Grounds). It was something like the Greater Pacific Northwest would always be a home to me, it would be a place I was to visit, but it was not where I was to spend a majority of my future.

Then in my reflection and meditation, the following passage of unique Community of Christ scripture kept coming to mind:

Do not be discouraged. You have not been promised an easy path, but you have been assured that the Spirit that calls you will also accompany you.

–Doctrine and Covenants 162:3a

I also reflected on my Patriarchal Evangelist Life Blessing during this time, upon various scriptures, upon my volcano side experience (literal not figurative), upon my family, friends, and faith community both global and local. I know I reflected upon many things to many to list here.

As the past few weeks have passed, MTSO keeps coming to the forefront. I keep thinking about how I am going to find a place to live from so far away. In which ways will I be able to serve in Community of Christ? and so much more. It has been less “if” I decided to go there, but rather just “how is this going to work.” It just seems that switching once more, extending my formal theological education once more, is the right thing to do. No matter how odd that may sound.

Today I received financial aid information from MTSO. After reviewing it I am fairly confident that I will be able to afford to attend MTSO, pay rent and get food for my cat, and probably also for me. Thus In the next week or so I believe I will be placing a check on the yellow card saying, “Yes, I will enroll,” and mailing it off to them.

This means that now I must figure out the best way to express to those who are looking forward to my return to Seattle that I will not be returning. I must also try to find a place to live from so far away, and then move out to Ohio for the next phase of my journey. I know I will miss the Greater Pacific Northwest, my friends and family who live out here, but I will return to visit at times.

Peace be with you all,