Posted in Teenagers
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Finished School? What Now? The other day Crysten realized that it will be 10 years next year since she was in high school. We thought of planning a class reunion, but … In some ways it’s been a long ten years for her. I was reminded of that a while back when I read an article written by a similar young lady from Wisconsin. Like Crysten she, too, has been bombarded with questions like “Well, you can’t live at home forever, so what are you going to do with your life?” “So, are you going to college?” Most people who ask are well meaning, of course, but some are also disapproving at times. Like Crysten, Jenny didn’t want to be locked into a career that would limit her ability to be a full-time wife and mother. It’s been hard for both of them to find the right words to express why they don’t want to attend college. They feel the pressure from friends, family, and others to pursue a profession… even 10 years later. College and career are marks of success in our culture, but it is not always fulfilling (or cheap). What IS always fulfilling is doing the will of God – instead of blindly conforming to the world’s expectations. Jenny had to wait (sometimes impatiently) for quite a while before she knew what God was asking of her. It was not college, or moving out of her parent’s home, or a full-time career. She has become an entrepreneur working with flowers, children, and music. She has been blessed with no debt, no rent, very few business expenses, and a growing income. Crysten is trying to be wise about how she lives in her singleness; Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Eph 5:15-18 trying to avoid self-centeredness; trying to see singleness not as a “cross to bear”, but a time to serve diligently, deliberately and undistracted. She doesn’t want her life to be on hold. After years of per diem work at Colby College as a caterer, Crysten is now an entrepreneur, too. Her Curves business (partnering with her Aunt Kathy and Uncle Kevin) has opened up many doors of ministry to women. Besides that, she makes herself available to continue as an occasional mother’s helper to her sisters and moms in our church. She serves overseas when she can, and has even traveled to help her mom friends when they have needed her. She’s there for me when I need her, whether it’s running to the bank or watching over me when I’m sick (the ministry of helps for me and others). She’s a helper for Kids 4 Truth at church, and occasionally sings for the worship team. She sends care packages to our church youth, cousins, and missionaries who are away from home. She enjoys the ministry of hospitality… not just social events, but at times there have been Bible studies in her home and cooking for others who need a meal. As God has prospered her, she also ministers with her finances. …he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Prov 11:25 |
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Posted by Loarlei