Faithfully Yours-Stepping out on your own

Details

Published on Tuesday, June 5, 2018

By Neil Stroschein

Neepawa Banner & Press

I don’t often address a specific group of people in these columns. But this week I will make an exception. I want to address those who, in less than one month, will walk through the doors of a local high school for the last time.

The day to which you’ve been looking forward for a long time will have finally arrived. You will have passed your last final exam, received your last credit and be handed a piece of paper that identifies you as a high school graduate.

Some of you will take home sizeable scholarships and awards for excellence in academics, athletics or community service. May I be the first to congratulate you on your achievement.

Some will have overcome significant challenges to reach this day. In addition to mastering course material, some of you have become proficient in speaking English and have shown an amazing ability to adapt to a new culture, a different climate and new way of life. May I be the first to express my admiration for all that you have achieved.

So, what happens now? Where will you go from here?

Some of you have already decided to postpone further education for at least one year. You plan to work, save some money and decide what career path you will pursue. I wish you well in your quest and assure you of my thoughts and prayers.

Some have already applied and been accepted to university or community college. Others will enter an apprenticeship program or enroll in a technical or trade school. Others will follow a different path, but one thing is certain. Beginning July 1, each of you will chart your own course in life. For the first time since you were born, you will be totally on your own.

You will be free to move into your own place (if you can afford it), make your own rules and do your own thing. You will be able to take full credit for your achievements. You will also have to take full responsibility for your mistakes. If one of those mistakes is neglecting your duties so that you can spend more time socializing with your friends, you will have no one but yourself to blame for poor grades or the premature end of your employment or post-secondary education.

While stepping out on your own may be exciting for you, it will be terrifying for your parents. Don’t be too upset by this. It goes with the territory. One day you’ll have kids of your own and you’ll understand how your parents are feeling right now.

To you, and to them, I would offer these words of encouragement. Many years ago, a young man named Jacob found himself alone in a strange land, wondering how his future would unfold. As he laid down on his first night alone, he received a message from God: “I am with you and will keep you in all places wherever you go.” (see Genesis 28:15)

As you embark on your new adventures, you will not go alone. God will go with you. He has a plan for your life and he will lead you along the path that will see you fulfill every part of that plan. He will celebrate your achievements with you. He will comfort and encourage you when things don’t go as planned. And he will guide you through the challenging times you will face.

I wish you well as you embark on the next phase of your life. I urge you to let God be part of it.