OPINION:
As we step into a new year, we are greeted with the familiar calls for fresh starts and personal transformations. The mantra “New Year, New You” echoes through our communities, urging individuals to set resolutions that promise self-improvement and growth. This time-honored tradition of goalsetting resonates deeply with many, offering a beacon of hope and renewal. However, this moment of introspection is more than just an opportunity for personal change — it’s a divine invitation to discover and embrace God’s calling for our lives.
In my role as vice president of Enrollment, Marketing, and Student Success at Colorado Christian University, I have the privilege of working closely with a diverse group of students, including over 8,000 non-traditional adult learners who pursue their education online. These learners are often balancing complex lives, juggling careers, family responsibilities, and personal ambitions. For them, the new year represents a chance for a personal makeover and a profound opportunity to align their lives more closely with God’s purpose.
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In “Courage and Calling,” Gordon T. Smith eloquently explores the intersection of personal vocation and divine calling. He writes, “Our calling is not simply about what we do; it is about who we are becoming. It is about living into the fullness of who God has created us to be, within the context of our unique gifts and circumstances.”
This perspective offers a transformative lens through which to view New Year’s resolutions, especially for those embarking on the journey of higher education later in life.
Returning to school can be daunting yet exhilarating for adult learners who are pursuing completion of their undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees. It represents a commitment to personal growth and professional advancement but also reflects a deeper quest for meaning and purpose. Embracing this academic journey with a sense of divine calling can elevate it from a mere educational endeavor to a profound spiritual quest.
Consider this: As you set your goals for the year ahead, ask yourself not only what you wish to achieve but also how these goals align with God’s calling for your life. Reflect on Mr. Smith’s assertion that our vocation reflects how God has shaped us to serve others. Whether your resolution involves completing a degree, gaining new skills, or advancing your career, consider how these aspirations can serve others and fulfill a higher purpose.
Online education offers a unique avenue for adult learners to integrate their academic pursuits with their spiritual growth. The flexibility of online programs allows for the balance of personal, professional, and academic responsibilities, creating space for reflection and spiritual development. It enables learners to tailor their educational experiences in a way that aligns with their calling and contributes to their communities meaningfully.
As you embark on your New Year’s resolutions, I encourage you to view them through the lens of God’s calling. Seek to understand how your educational and professional goals can be harmonized with your spiritual journey. Remember, as Mr. Smith emphasizes, “Our calling is not a destination but a journey — a path that unfolds as we faithfully walk it.”
As an adult graduate of a Christian university, I know firsthand that these institutions are committed to supporting students in this journey — providing resources and guidance catering to their educational needs and spiritual growth. By pursuing your goals with a sense of divine purpose, you can experience a richer, more fulfilling path that resonates deeply with your faith and personal aspirations.
As we welcome this new year, let us embrace the opportunity to grow not only as individuals but as servants of a higher calling. Let our resolutions be more than mere aspirations — let them be steps toward discovering and living out the unique purpose God has set before us.
May this year be one of profound transformation, alignment with God’s calling, and a renewed sense of purpose in all that we do.
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Allison Burkhart is the vice president of Enrollment, Marketing, and Student Success for Colorado Christian University’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies. Before joining CCU, Burkhart had experience in both for-profit and nonprofit higher education admissions management environments, including field, campus, agency and online enrollment. Burkhart has a bachelor’s degree in human services management and earned her MBA from CCU.
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