For When You Grow Up

I see it too often. So many college students pursue a major they care nothing about. They go to college because they think that’s what they are supposed to do next. After they graduate, many of their to-do lists consist of getting a job, getting married, buying a house and having children - all noble endeavors. It's just that many do these things with no clear purpose or direction and wonder why they're so unhappy when they find themselves in a job they hate, a marriage that is not what they envisioned and children they have no clue how to raise.

It's the story of my generation. It was likely the story of many generations that came before mine and the ones following.

Oh my precious children, I can offer advice and moral guidance and stories that illustrate life principles, but one day you’ll have to make your own choices. 

When it comes to deciding on what you will do with your life let me offer this suggestion: Do only what you love. 

Your dad and I might be the only people in your lives to tell you this, but if your passion is movies and the only job that gets you close to films is working the ticket booth at the local movie theater, then do it. If you love being outdoors, never take a desk job. If you want to sing and dance, you might not make much money at the local community theater, but you will be content.

If you desire nothing more than to be someone’s mommy, don’t listen to those telling you that to be fulfilled you must have a career. If you desire to have a career, then don’t listen to those trying to make you feel guilty about it.

The only thing you should do is what God is calling you to do.

If you do anything with the goal of making money, there is no clearer path to misery no matter how big the paycheck. You may end up making a lot of money doing something worthwhile so long as you care more about what you are doing than the money. When you chase the dream, not the money, then you have found something worth devoting your life to.

And during those times when you are unsure, wait for God to show you the way. One thing I'm certain about is forging my own path never has worked. Following God’s path for your life won’t always be easy, but it will be more liberating than you could imagine.