Parenting Teens: Senior Year, the Future and Everything
Posted by Miz WoodyA response to a Myspace bulletin from a young friend who is a Senior in high school, doesn’t know what the future holds, doesn’t know what she wants it to hold, and is a little stressed over it.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
That part, “Prepared in advance”, says in the King James, “God hath before ordained“. It’s not like he baked a cake and hopes you’ll eat it. He’s laid some serious groundwork for you.
I think God made you to do something very special. If you are seeking his plan, there is no way he’s gonna’ let you miss it.
Ah, but how to find it?
Your first clue is the gifts, passions and interests God put in you. You love what you love for a reason. It doesn’t have to be something “approved” by the church, or your family, or the educational system. Every interest can – should – must! – be given to God. He uses the craziest things! For instance, you have an interest in fashion. That doesn’t sound very holy. For sure, many people use it for unholy ends. But that is true of carpentry, writing, medicine and the law. Every gift can be used to honor God and bless people, or to increase darkness, pain and misery.
You don’t have to figure out the whole puzzle, just be the piece you were meant to be.
The other thing I know is that “A man plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.” (That’s in Proverbs – I don’t know where and I’m way too busy to look it up!) Part of what that means is that God has your future, so don’t sweat it. I think another part is that we can only take life one step at a time. I really hate that! I’d love to know that the step I’m taking is the right one and it will lead to a lovely time for all. God’s plan is, “The just shall live by faith.” (That’s in the Bible, like, 4 times!)
As for the whole “Significant Other” thing…there again, one step at a time. You never know what (or whom) is around the corner – and there are corners everywhere!
My plan was to go through college and not get married until I was at least 24. Then there was this 3-week window where I could meet my Darling Husband. I was 17! Poof! There went my plan.
Blessings on you, Friend. You don’t have to know what to do. You know the One who knows.
Tags: Children, Education, future, gifts, Parenting, senior year, Teens, worry
