Letting Go of Practicality

During this winter break, my daughter expressed her need to start looking into what she would study after graduating this spring as well as learning to drive.  I began praying and asking God how to lead her in making a decision.  Originally, she had been wanting to study music but I, a practical person, encouraged her to study another field then afterwards do music.  I just wanted her to have something to fall back on if needed.  Well, as we prayed and got ready to discuss different careers, God started moving in my heart and changing my perspective.

On our first evening we were to talk about this, we read an article that talked about how to choose a career.  As we thought and talked about each point, the conversation turned to how I made my decision.  As I shared how I approached the decision, I focused on letting her know that whichever career she chose, if it was what God had for her it would be used for His Glory.  Knowing that He had made her for specific purposes led us to discuss what she was passionate for. 

It took me many years to realize and figure out what was my passion.  Mainly, I’d do what was needed.  It was until I was faced with the question of what makes me come alive that I realized I was clueless.  What I am about to share can be misinterpreted or misused, but when taken along with God’s truth and guidance it can be liberating.  We were created with specific gifts and talents and have a specific calling, all to fulfill God’s purposes not just for our lives but for our world in our lifetime.  Doing what we were created for is where we flourish and are fulfilled, and God’s plans and purposes are accomplished.  Remembering what got me started on my own journey I asked her the same question I was asked years back, what was it that when she did it, she felt rejuvenated?  Or what was it that she felt most alive when she did it.  She was hesitant at first, but after a few moments she hesitantly said that it was when she played her flute.

As she replied and I pondered on that lesson learned a few years back, I realized I was bringing confusion in my daughter’s decision making.  That’s when I decided to let go of being practical.   I then told her to go ahead and study music but that I also wanted her to learn different skills like cutting hair or even carpentry.  She agreed and right away I felt she got excited about her future.  How easy it is to get in the way of God’s direction.  Here I was thinking I was assuring my daughter’s future and I was only bringing confusion.  So grateful that God moved in my heart and brought me to that place of peace in regard to my daughter’s future.

We don’t really have the assurance of what her future will be like.  She might become an incredible musician, or she may be led in a different path.  Yet, I am sure that the lessons she is learning as she makes decisions and works hard in reaching her goals will equip her for what God has for her.   Nothing is ever wasted in God’s hands.