I spend a lot of time with women. It’s my vocation, my mission, and it gives me great joy. I am blessed to spend time hearing the stories of women, sharing in their sorrows, and encouraging them in their walk. But wait, this is an article about men. True statement.

Tucked into the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel is the somewhat well-known Bible story of King David bringing the ark of the covenant back into the city of Jerusalem and dancing down the streets before the Lord Almighty, praising Him.

Ephesians 5 is one of the most difficult passages for most married people to take in. We can read it and nod our heads and say, “That’s so nice!” but then walk away with absolutely no way to apply it.  In fact, Ephesians 5 often causes our old Adam to well up in the worst of ways, pointing fingers at ways our spouse fails us daily or, in worst cases, ending marriages in the heartache and trauma of devaluing and abuse.  So we avoid it. We avoid reading it; we avoid discussing it; and we hope and pray that our pastor doesn’t preach about it on Sunday.  

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. Matthew 8:24

Humanity is broken. It’s a basic fact. The world struggles, besieged by natural disasters, cancer, heartache, malnutrition, prejudice, and on and on. There is good in the world, but even when we see good, we are prepared for the “other shoe” and the next news report of disaster. But what does all of this have to do with my marriage?

A new season is beginning. The air is cooler, and the first quarter of Seminary is in the history books. The department stores are filling shelves with Christmas decorations. On the Seminary campuses, first-year students are finding their footing, while second-year guys are bonding together as they gain confidence and prepare for vicarage. Others have just returned from vicarage and are transitioning to student life again.  Change is constantly in the air.

But what about the women? What does life at seminary look and feel like for them?  Each wife arrives to campus with her own story. Sacrifices of a career, a hometown, a steady paycheck, friends, and family can make for a painful transition. But time at seminary can also be filled with spiritual growth and valuable relationships. So whether this is your first or final year at the seminary, open your hearts and consider these words of experience.