Weekly Email: July 28, 2025
In this week’s email:
Student Tip - Some thoughts on rest and resetting
Program News - Logos training for students on August 25th
Student Tip: Reset Week
We’re entering into the last week of the 2024–2025 academic school year. My hunch is that being an online student with basically year-round class options, you probably experience the “academic year” differently than those of us on-campus where the rhythms of the traditional school semester are more deeply felt. But regardless, this last week in July marks a break for everyone. The summer term just ended and next week, Fall 1 will begin.
If you took a summer class and are also taking a Fall 1 class, then this might be a time you need to take a deep breath and embrace a real break this week. This past week I’ve been thinking about the importantance of rest as an important part of learning and growth itself. Mathematician Henri Poincaré reminds us that sudden insight is “only a manifest sign of long, unconscious prior work,” often emerging after we “take a rest” and then, “all of a sudden the decisive idea presents itself to the mind.” Basically what he’s saying is that those “aha” moments are really just signs of work that our minds have been doing behind the scenes.
Our minds often resist stepping away from unfinished work, especially when we’ve had our head down studying for school, working on a project, or deeply focused on a variety of other things.. You might find yourself thinking, “I should keep reading, keep writing, keep pushing through this assignment.” But here’s what research shows: “A culture without boredom undermines the act of daydreaming,” yet “a wandering mind is also a creative mind.” Some of our best ideas and breakthroughs come not when we’re grinding away at our desks, but when we step away like taking a walk, playing with your kids, or in those quiet moments of reflection. Our brains need that diffuse thinking time to make connections and actually absorb what we’re learning.
So this week, I encourage you to take a genuine break at some point. Depending on your circumstance, this may just be for a day. Spend whatever time you have taking a real break. One where where you physically change your environment. Spend unhurried time with family and friends. Take that walk (hopefully it will be cooler than 100º here this week). Read something for pure enjoyment. Let your mind wander. This isn’t time lost (a lie I too often believe) but it’s an investment in showing up refreshed and ready for Fall 1 and the new academic year.
Much of this week’s reflection (and the quotes) come from Sherry Turkle’s excellent book Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age. I’ve come back to my notes and highlights from this book multiple times. If you’re like me, you need someone to tell you it’s okay to rest. To actually reset. This week I’m taking time off too as my brother and his family are visiting for a staycation. I’m trying to follow my own advice here.
I want to hear from you!
As we begin this new academic year, I’d love to hear what you’re looking forward to. Are there any classes that have you excited? What questions do you have for me? I genuinely love talking with you all, so definitely reply as your thoughts, stories, and experiences help me better serve our online community. Plus, I just enjoy the conversation!
Remember, this journey of theological education is not a sprint. It’s about the long haul and slow growth, and that requires intentional rhythms of engagement and rest. You’re not falling behind when you take care of yourself, but you’re setting yourself up to learn and serve more effectively.
This marks the 52nd weekly email, which means one full year of this “experiment” that has been an absolute joy. I started these with hopes of connecting with you and helping you feel more tied to Southern. Since I plan to keep them going, I’m curious: what’s been most helpful so far? What would you want to see more of? I’d love to know what’s resonating with you. As a reminder, you can view the whole archive of these emails here.
Thanks for reading each week. Look out for next week’s email as we’ll do some bigger giveaways to kick off the new academic year.
Program News: Logos Training for Students
On Monday, August 25, from 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. EDT, we will host a Logos training session for students. Chris McMaster from Logos will lead the workshop, showing you how to:
get started with Logos
use Logos Max to maximize your textbooks
streamline research and writing
study the Bible more deeply
Register Now
Chris has worked with Logos for many years, and I am confident he will set you up for success. If you cannot attend live, register anyway, and we will send you the recording.
Reminder: If you still need to activate Logos Max, you can do so here.
Quick Reference of Upcoming Term Dates:
Current Week: Summer (break week)
Fall 1 Term Begins: August 4, 2025
Fall 2 Term Begins: October 6, 2025
Register for Courses →
Register for Fall Experiential Modulars →
Thanks for reading! I’ll check in next Monday. You can browse past emails in thearchiveor exploreCourse Snapshotsto find textbooks, course descriptions, and details about what we offer online.
