RIGHT PATH
Proverbs 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
It is time for young people to make decisions that will affect their future. Graduation from High School - O, so cool! We see them dressed in fine array, some fidget, others seem to be jumping out of their skin, many smile at the prospect of tomorrow, a few cringe at new responsibility. Where will they be in just a few months? Will dreams be coalescing into the semblance of reality, or will their house of flimsies come crashing down? How will their paths converge, diverge, cross, or elude them?
Here is a surety of following the path ahead. Have a path laid down, a direction picked before you set your feet into the jungle of life.
Striking out into the unknown with a quick plan and little preparation will lead to another’s path; the path of strangers. Where will strangers get you? Listen to parents, relatives, and loved ones. They know the path worth taking; they’ve been down it, themselves, before. Some of your loved ones have seen good days and know the grand reward. Some of them know the error of misdirection and have good advice to share. Graduate to be, have you the tiger by the tail? Think it’s easy to tame? Listen to loved ones, they usually know best. They love you, after all, and want only the best for you.
Whatever trail, path, or ground we tread, the Lord sees all. God extends love, commands obedience, makes every possibility for deliverance, and observes the minute detail of every life that passes its way though this world. Every child grows into an adult. Every child becomes, at one point or another in their lives, completely accountable for their own choices. Parents, guardians, and loved ones are removed from the equation. Every parent loses their grip on a child’s accountability. No longer will a father be required to answer before God in a child’s stead. No longer will parents be held to task for good instruction. Each child becomes fully and completely responsible for the details of their life. There isn’t one father or mother who can snatch back the bad consequence of a child’s life, or take credit for good. Parents lay the groundwork, but the maintenance of that precious child’s life is complete. They stand in their adulthood in the shape of whatever mold their parents have crafted.
Graduation doesn’t mean the end is near. It doesn’t mean a graduate must do anything at all. It is only the ending of essential education and marks a moment of accomplishment. If you’re not ready to fly, take time to make the right plans. If you’re ready to begin, go with God’s will in your life. We don’t have to do anything just because we graduate. It has been tough enough to make it this far. Be sure of your next steps. Take the time if you haven’t already. Seek advice from trusted sources, pray, and read God’s word. Seek God at this point of life. God will never steer you wrong, just be willing to listen and heed.
Proverbs, chapter five, is a warning against hasty decision and evil allure. Though written for a son, it can be applied to every person, and many situations. Just consider the vital difference between strangers and loved ones. Every graduate should know this chapter, study the blessing of promise in these verses, and heed the warnings presented. This chapter is short, sweet, and full of wisdom.
Proverbs 5: 1,2 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
