Choices

I have been having many conversations with my oldest son about his future. He is in 8^th grade (last year in middle school) and he is choosing his “electives” for high school next year. Our school district has initiatives in place to get the students thinking about “post-graduation” at an early age.  The electives the high school offers the incoming freshmen, as well as upperclassmen, are designed to expose the students to an array of potential careers.  It really is impressive.  At a recent course selection presentation, I couldn’t help but think how much more enjoyable my high school experience would’ve been had I been offered these options.  I was practically salivating at the wide array of electives!

Unfortunately, while I was busy being blown away from the excitement and opportunities available to my son, he was busy being overwhelmed at the thought of having to decide his “career path” at the age of 14. I was just so excited for him, as was my husband, that we assumed he was as fired up as we were.  We realized quickly that he was starting to internally freak out because, at the ripe old age of 14, he didn’t know what he wanted to be when he grew up!  Thankfully, he is blessed with a mother who also doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up either.  A late-night venting session turned into a conversation about “choices”. I told him that I also know that feeling of uneasiness when you may be walking a path that you were not meant to walk.  For me, it’s when I’ve lost touch with the Lord.  I get in funks where I question my own faith, or just simply forget to check in.  That’s usually when the anxiety settles in. I haven’t leaned on the Lord, I haven’t given Him my fears and doubts.  There’s a saying that goes, “have you prayed about it as much as you’ve talked about it?”

John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches.  Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” My favorite part, “and I in him,” tells us that He is there.  He’s always been there, this whole anxiety, stress-ridden season.  It’s our responsibility to remain in HIM.  For some, it’s mass or a daily devotional.  Maybe it’s a Bible study or daily thanksgiving. Find your thing!  I continue to encourage my son to ‘remain in Him’ and, also, to chill out about the career thing.

Caroline is a wife and mother of three energetic boys who keep her on the go. To listen to more about choices, you may enjoy our Bold Decisions by Faith: Lessons from Ruth and Rahab Bible study. You can also listen to our Bible studies by tuning in to your favorite radio station, listening to our podcast on iTunes, or listening through TuneIn or Stitcher online radio.