A few months ago, my mom picked up the 1925 edition of the book Streams in the Desert for me. It's a very recongnizable title, but I especially appreciate the older version for the language. It has been such an encouragement to me in my many days of both enjoyment and struggle in the working world.
A thought occurred to me not too long ago, and the more I thought about it, the more I see it's true. Northland is really an artificial environment. The world is not like Northland--it's not friendly and ready to assist you in the struggles of life. Northland is an amazing place--and a great start for someone going into ministry, or someone just desiring to have a deeper walk with the Lord. It doesn't take long to get frustrated, annoyed, and just worn out working in a secular environment if you expect it to be like Northland. :)
I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Olson speak at my church this past week--he said this phrase, "Life is hard, and then you die." It sounds pessimist and harsh. However, life is hard. You know, though--I was reading a few weeks ago about heaven--if our life here on earth were perfect and painless, why would we look forward to heaven??
I'm so thankful that our Heavenly Father allows struggles in life to purify us, to grow us, and to give us a longing and desire to be with Him in a place with the absence of tears or pain.
As thankful as I am for Northland--the people, the focus, the classes, and countless other things--I'm almost completely resigned to the fact that I will not be returning there as a student. The Lord has provided, and I am able to pay off what little school bill I have remaining from last year--however I've committed to not going into debt again for school. So...either I'll go back in 3 years or so (after saving vehemently :) or I shall continue in my present course of working and saving for the future. I know God will direct, and until He leads me somewhere else, I shall endeavor to be the best bank teller I can be! :)
A thought occurred to me not too long ago, and the more I thought about it, the more I see it's true. Northland is really an artificial environment. The world is not like Northland--it's not friendly and ready to assist you in the struggles of life. Northland is an amazing place--and a great start for someone going into ministry, or someone just desiring to have a deeper walk with the Lord. It doesn't take long to get frustrated, annoyed, and just worn out working in a secular environment if you expect it to be like Northland. :)
I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Olson speak at my church this past week--he said this phrase, "Life is hard, and then you die." It sounds pessimist and harsh. However, life is hard. You know, though--I was reading a few weeks ago about heaven--if our life here on earth were perfect and painless, why would we look forward to heaven??
I'm so thankful that our Heavenly Father allows struggles in life to purify us, to grow us, and to give us a longing and desire to be with Him in a place with the absence of tears or pain.
As thankful as I am for Northland--the people, the focus, the classes, and countless other things--I'm almost completely resigned to the fact that I will not be returning there as a student. The Lord has provided, and I am able to pay off what little school bill I have remaining from last year--however I've committed to not going into debt again for school. So...either I'll go back in 3 years or so (after saving vehemently :) or I shall continue in my present course of working and saving for the future. I know God will direct, and until He leads me somewhere else, I shall endeavor to be the best bank teller I can be! :)
