What are you going to do?
I am sure every person that is a high school or college graduate is asked this questions 100 times on or before graduation. “What are you going to do now?” I’m sure that the answer often varies with the undercurrent of expectations and the circumstances that goes along with it. It is a time in their life where things change, and change is very hard for most people. They ask what are your plans, or what are your goals? And they are sometimes met with a blank stare, like a deer caught in the headlights. We are talking about the rest of their lives, and that takes some careful consideration. To choose a profession that you must do day in and day out for the rest of your working life is a bit daunting.
The answer to this question will take more in depth thought and consideration.
Some ideas and inspiration may come from the ‘Charge’ given at the Commencement Ceremony.
The ‘Charge’ is challenging the graduate, to forge ahead into unknown territory making their own way in their new world. It is often inundated with points of interest that could be considered Sage advice, such as: be careful who you trust, salt and sugar look the same, stay silent, if someone is smarter-don’t compete, competition is a weakness, your only limit is your mind, stay focused and stay positive, small steps every day lead to big achievements, embrace change, it is the only constant. These are just a few of the bits of wisdom we would like to pass on to them.
But do we send them out there unprepared? Do we give them a safety net? The answer to this question is no.
A better question than “what are you going to do,” would be, “who do you want to be”?
Circumstances and jobs will change during your life, but who you will be, what character you will have developed, should only get better with time. But this requires a good foundation.
The Bible says, “raise up a child in the way he should go when he is old, and he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. We need to teach our children to live with passion, live with humility, put others first, live a life with purpose. As you start your next steps in life, be it work or college, know what you believe and why! Make wise choices and wise decisions.
Develop good habits, such as study times, establishing routines, to always be thankful and sincere, consider your mental and physical well-being. Create a budget of wants, and needs. When you wake up on the first Sunday morning in this new adventure what would you do? Decide before that morning to go to church. Will you make time for God in your life?
Surround yourself with likeminded people, “because bad company corrupts good morals.”
I Corinthians 15;33
Face your fears, forget your failures, follow your faith. Remember: the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step. Doctors don’t make you healthy, teachers don’t make you learn, trainers don’t make you fit, and coaches don’t make you rich, at some point you have to understand that this life is 100% your responsibility.
As parents we have already established that we need to teach our children to be thankful for everything and to give our children a good foundation growing up. The best way to do this is to teach them to put on the whole armor of God. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:11 – 24 “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” What better protection in life can we give our children than this kind of protection? This is the foundation we need to set for our children at an early age. We need to teach them to be wise and faithful, to use their talents to glorify Christ.
We as authors can be used as an instrument of those ‘Charges’. We can write devotionals for college students, newly married couples, and young people setting out with the new life and new goals in mind. Making the decision to be a moral compass so they can have a God filled life.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:6
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stan therefore having your loins good about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith he shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God: Ephesians 6:11-17
for I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day is Christ: Philippians 1:6