"Now What?"

Our oldest granddaughter, Chloe Michelle, is a senior in her home school program, Classical Conversations. She will defend her thesis soon and is scheduled to graduate on May 10^th. We are so proud of her! She is the first granddaughter and third grandchild to graduate from high school. We have two grandsons wrapping up their second year of college. I can’t believe how fast time has flown by for these young people! It seems only yesterday that Chloe was a one-year-old and played peekaboo with Monique. We love to replay how she used to say in a cute little voice, “I see you Mimi!”

Image Credit: pngtree.com

I am keenly aware of some of the pressures that young people face each day. The college guys in our family are in final exam time, and I am praying that they finish their class work well. Soon-to-be graduates are entering a new chapter that requires thought, prayer, and action. There are big decisions to make, colleges or trade schools to visit, and applications to fill out for admission, scholarships, and financial aid. The next chapter of education is expensive, and limiting debt is on everyone’s mind.

I was the first person to get a college degree in my family. As I look back on those days of my own journey into advanced education, I wish I had had someone to sit down with me and go over some of the big issues of entering college life. I think that would have helped me to get a better start in that important chapter of my young adult life.

Everyone’s situation is always unique, but what I offer here are some general considerations that I think have a broad application. First, as you are on the threshold of that new adventure, be sure to pause, reflect, and celebrate what you have already achieved. You should throw a party, invite friends, and family to share your joy. You have worked hard and accomplished so much. You will now build on those accomplishments as you work on the next chapter of your life.

Secondly, as you review the past, take note of what you have enjoyed and what you were good at doing. Build on your strengths. One of my favorite authors is Reggie McNeal. He authored a book some years ago with an engaging title, Get a Life! It IS All About You! McNeal says, “Your best shot at making your best contribution to the world is for you to get better at what you are already good at. You will get a life by building on your strengths.” (B&H Publishing, p.95).

As a pastor, you would expect me to offer up some serious spiritual advice in this final suggestion. You may be considering what to choose as a college major or primary vocational focus. Remember that God made you and knows all about you. I like to remind myself often about what God does know by reading Psalm 139. The Psalmist exclaims, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me!” (v.6). 

Since God is all-knowing, we would do well to check in and keep in step with Him about His will for our life decisions. He has a beautiful plan already mapped out for us. One of my favorite scripture passages lays it all out in three verses. Here’s the way Eugene Peterson paraphrases this wise counsel, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart, don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.” (Proverbs 3:5-7, The Message).

Let’s bless the way God designed each of us and always listen to Him for those answers to our “now what?” questions. Put your trust completely in God! He knows what He is doing in and through our lives!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
©2018-2025 All rights reserved.
Serve by Design. mjkministries.com