Graduation Meditation

“I have one desire now - to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, 

putting all my energy and strength into it.” 

Elisabeth Elliot

My sister and I were searching for the perfect quote to go at the bottom of our graduation announcements.  I researched "quotes from Elisabeth Elliot" and this was one of the first ones I looked at.  I was so excited!!  It summed up so well our one true desire after high school and beyond.

I have been blessed with a home education from the very beginning.  I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed it!  Nothing compares to having the world for your classroom!  I look forward to one day being able to teach my own children, Lord willing, at home.

But with this part of life over I now have an exciting new chapter to begin.  I'm learning not to dread the usual "what are you going to do after high school?" question.  Honestly, at this moment I'm not exactly sure.  Who says God has to give me a heads up :)?  My Lord knows that patience is not one of my strong points and He frequently gives me opportunities to practice it :)!  My ultimate desire is quoted above...but how in the world I'm supposed to actually do that is what I don't know....right now.  Sometimes God doesn't let us see too far in advance.  I do believe He's leading me and He will show me His will in His own perfect time.

So what do I do in the meantime?  There are plenty of options.  Now that I'm done with my formal schooling I have the ability to pursue things that interest me to the fullest.  Current options/interests include banking/business, midwifery, teaching piano, serving at a pregnancy crisis center, starting a group for local girls to encourage them in the faith, going on mission trips, becoming an intern at some Christian ministry, helping my mom in the home, nutrition/herbs, essential oils, etc.  There are SO many things I could do and it will be so encouraging to be able to look back, years from now, and see just how the Lord worked everything out.

Um, for those who are wondering, I am not planning on going to college.  There are several reason why I think college is not the best option for me. 
First, the thing I'm training for and hope to one day devote my life to, is the lifelong occupation of being a wife and a mother.  Unfortunately I have not been able to find any local colleges that major in this field :).  My mother is doing a wonderful job teaching me and I want to learn more from her and other older woman during my single years.
Second, I believe college is not the best option monetarily for me.  Although college is good and even necessary for certain individuals, I think that the majority of people can learn most of what is taught in colleges at home for WAY less if they were determined, dedicated, and devoted.  Why waste so much money to get someone to teach you how to follow the textbook :)?
Lastly, the ungodly philosophies and ideologies taught in most colleges, even Christian colleges, could be threatening and even detrimental to my faith.  Research proves that the majority of youth who grow up in the church and leave for college return with either an extremely weakened faith or none at all.  I don't want to be one of those!!  My desire is for Jesus to be made manifest in me during my single years and beyond.

Well, there is my short graduation meditation ;).  I'd be interested to hear what you all think and what you're planning to do after graduation.  To those who have gone before, I want to know you're story.  I want to learn from you and be encouraged.
May you all be blessed in this new week!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah