week 1 responds

John Lenss

2:40pmMar 23 at 2:40pm

Manage Discussion Entry

How am I viewing the journey ahead?

    I am viewing this journey towards and EDD with excitement and anticipation.  I would like to provide a quote here, however, I do not recall the person who said this in the 1990s, but the saying is ‘the journey is the reward’.  Ever since I first heard that and understood it, my life was changed.  I try to always live in the present, do what I enjoy, and look forward to the future.

What fears or concerns do I have about this endeavor?

     My main concern is that I do not know what I will do my research on.  I have some ideas, but at this point, I will simply pray about it and let the Holy Spirit guide me.  After all, that is how I got into this program in the first place.  But that is another story.

     Of course, I also have the fear of how I will make enough time to devote to a doctoral program.  Not only do I have a job, ministry, and a side business, but I am also the main caregiver for my wife.  She has Multiple Sclerosis and she is dependent on someone to get her meals, and keep the house clean, do the laundry, etc.

Do I feel any measure of excitement as well?

     I am very excited about this program and where the Holy Spirit is leading me with this educational path.  This is my fourth class in the Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership, and with what I have learned so far, I am excited to see what else is coming in future coursework.

How much confidence do I have in completing this journey?

     I am not a quitter.  I have 100% confidence that I will complete this journey if that is what the Lord wills and at this time, I believe that is what he wants me to do.  Since I started this program, I have had questions about why this program.  I have prayed for discernment and the Holy Spirit has answered my questions so far.  I trust that He will continue to guide me.

Am I Cut Out For This?

 

Daniel L. York

Rawlings School of Divinity, Liberty University CLED 730

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Note

I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Daniel L. York

Email: [email protected]

 

 

Am I Cut Out For This?

Carol Roberts (2012) in her book, The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation, quoted, David McNalley saying, “The primary reward is not the goal, but what you become as a result of doing all that was necessary to reach the goal.”  This statement resonated with me as I view the journey of pursuing a doctorate.  I am excited by what God will teach me during the process.  It will certainly be fulfilling to earn a degree but that is truly the culmination of what I hope will be a rewarding four-year journey for which I am grateful to be engaged.

Concerns

This will be my first extensive foray into research.  I have an engineering degree that required I take Problems and Statistics, as well as way more math and science courses than I preferred, so I am familiar with doing research.  But honestly, research is not my strength, and it is somewhat intimidating to think about this aspect of completing a dissertation.  However, I am reminded again of two verses that I first claimed 44 years ago to get through West Point—Psalm 16:8 and Daniel 1:17.  They seem just as relevant today and I will hold on to both of them as promises. 

Excitement

Liberty’s philosophy of collaboration is very encouraging to me.  The idea that we as students are negotiating a journey with a spirit of cooperation and sharing is profoundly important.  Knowing that I can draw from the knowledge of classmates as well as empathetic, experienced instructors makes the task less daunting. 

Inwardly I am excited about the potential topic I am planning to write my dissertation on as it has great relevance towards helping leaders and fits well in my life-long journey of building and coaching leaders.   Given God’s provision of funding to help this endeavor coupled with a love for learning, I have great confidence that I will not be an ABD but will finish the course.  Ultimately, this should be for God’s glory and for the furtherance of His kingdom and this also spurs me on to give my best. 

 

References

Roberts, C. (2012). The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to

Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation. http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.4135/97814522192