Encouragement from all sides

There is an old adage I often heard about growing older. It simply said that we should always strive to better our education and keep our mind working hard so we don’t fall into a cavern of forgetfulness and experience a lagging of the mind. I wish I could say that was the absolute reasoning behind my latest educational adventure. In part, the saying would ring true, another part of me chose my path for other reasons. As some of you have heard, I don’t really know what came over me, but recently I decided to go back to school and work towards a second master’s degree.

For some, they ask me if I have totally lost my mind, which I’ve considered, and honestly haven’t come to a firm conclusion as of this date. But in all reality, I seemed to do what comes natural for me. I saw a need in our community and am committed to doing my best to equip myself to be there in a time of need for others. Choosing to enroll myself again has brought about a great deal of excitement in the family. The girls love the fact that they get to remind Daddy to get to work on his homework, and I can already feel the benefits of challenging my mind once again.

If I could say it’s all been great times and easy going over the past two semesters, I would, but then I would be lying. Although workable, the added workload has been interesting, to say the least. One major factor I dreaded was that from the beginning, I knew that there was one specific class I had to take as a prerequisite to my degree. The specific class will remain unnamed, but I can assure you I had no interest let alone excitement about the thought of taking the class. I mean, come on, who needs to know all about statistics. Choosing to get it over with as soon as possible, eight weeks ago I set off to get the class done and move forward.

I worked hard and surprisingly began understanding a little bit more about why on earth people choose to place letters and squiggly lines in math problems. Holding my own, and following a bunch of prayers, I found myself doing rather well in the class. Then the dreaded week seven exam took place, and you guessed it, reality once again showed itself and my utter disdain for anything mathematical rose to the surface again. Frustrated and close to feeling defeated, I began convincing myself that attending a university at my age was silly and I must have misread the need because I wasn’t getting what they were trying to teach about statistical theory. Frustrated because the degree-specific classes were a breeze and I was able to gain a great deal of insight, I began convincing myself that schooling was for the young and this old man was ready for pasture.

It was at that moment that the true meaning of family showed itself. Recognizing that I was ready to throw in the towel over the class, my wife stepped up and wouldn’t stand for it. Being supportive she described that I shouldn’t relent in my goal, and I should press on. Taking time out of her afternoons, she sat beside me learning as well, while helping me do the same, encouraging me all the way. The girls noticed my frustration, and each challenged good ol’ Dad to not give up and to overcome the challenge before me. Of course, in the best pre-teen fashion they had to joke about Mom having to help teach Dad.

As the class ended, I found myself finishing strong and passing the class with relative ease. I sit here now thinking about how truly blessed I am to have a family who not only encourages me but are willing to sit beside and even harass me a little bit to help me accomplish my goals. Be the voice of reasoning, my friends. Be available for your loved ones, prodding them along the way. It is through your persistent encouragement that great things happen, and the family unit is emboldened, while the goals you set as a family are realized.