What does it look like to "seize the day"?
Are you ready to seize the day?
The wisdom of the Book of Proverbs declares “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18). That certainly applies to many aspects of life. It’s an essential truth for those striving to complete a degree, make a career change, or pursue God-given purpose and vision in life.
Without a vision, it’s hard to seize the day.
With vision, each of us can take hold of our decisions; eliminate detours and distractions, and simplify our path to impact the world around us. Without vision, most of us tend to wander and regress. 
We get swallowed up by the craziness and demands of life and can easily grow disappointed, bitter, and frustrated.
As summer sets in, now is the time to take the plunge in the pursuit of degrees through Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor’s Adult Accelerated program.
How will you win the day?
Bestselling author and pastor Mark Batterson in his recent book, Win the Day, writes that many of us experience “someday sickness.”
See if this rings a bell:
“It’s thinking we’ll be happy when we find ourselves in a certain set of circumstances. When I graduate or when I get married or when I get my dream job, then I’ll be happy. No, you won’t. When I have kids or get the promotion or get out of debt, then I’ll be happy. Trust me – it never ends! When our kids are out of diapers or we reach retirement or we’re financially independent, then life will be good. Quit lying to yourself.”
Today is a gift.
This sickness that affects so many of us is a result of two threats – past regrets and future anxieties. We may feel that we have already wasted opportunities in our life. At the same time, we worry about our future. As a result, many of us feel stuck in our current situation and fail to make the most of the gift that God gives us – TODAY! He gives us each day to make the most of it, not fret over the past and worry over the future, and wants us to achieve the most we can with each day. We have to win the day!
Seize the day and just start.
For many who are considering a degree or completing a degree, the only way to win the day is to start. That may mean completing an application, filling out a financial aid form, or registering for classes. Bottom line, you have to start! Playing it safe, putting it off, or waiting for someday doesn’t really help. In fact, the Book of Ecclesiastes encourages us:
“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; Whoever watches the clouds will not reap.” (Ecc. 11:4)
It’s that simple. If you wait for perfect conditions to start, you’ll be waiting forever. If you are waiting for everything to be right, you’ll be waiting your whole life. For practical habits, students may consider Batterson’s seven powerful habits in his highly inspirational book, Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More.
And closer to home, more words of wisdom are found in the work of Concordia University Wisconsin alum, author, and pastor Jeff Meyer. In his book Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute, Meyer reminds us that far too often we are victims of our own self-inflicted wounds. Those wounds get in the way and block our dreams, and more importantly, the plans that God has for each of us!
There is still time to seize the day.
CUWAA’s Adult Accelerated classes are offered year round. There is still time to register and enroll for the upcoming Fall 2021 Semester. The first mini-term of six- and eight-week classes begins the week of July 5, 2021. If that’s not doable, new mini-terms begin later in August!
Want more information?
Whether you have already been admitted to a Concordia Adult Accelerated program; have yet to enroll; have started but never completed an application; or are considering the possibility of a degree, don’t get in your own way! Win the day and contact your CUWAA Accelerated Admission Counselor; reach out to the CUWAA team at Accelerated.admission@cuw.edu or call 262-373-5700.
—
If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.