What Do You Want To Do?
“In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8)
What do you want to do? As a parent of an incoming senior in high school, this question gets tossed around like confetti. From about the time third-graders have Career Day, people ask kids, “What do you want to do?” It always seems to be more about an industry than a passion or calling. The question is an important one, and this age and stage is a foundational piece to moving into adulthood. But does it end there? When was the last time you were asked, “What do you want to do?”
Esther didn’t have the opportunity to answer this question. When the king said, “Jump” … all the people said, “How high?” This included leaving behind her family, changing her name, and even ignoring her ethnicity. She would have had to change everything about herself – never having anyone ask her “What do you want to do?” Yet God gave her a purpose, a call, and a plan. All she had was willingness. We have so many options and choices to make – way more than Esther could have dreamed of. Yet we too just need to be willing.
Maybe today we need to ask ourselves, “What do you want to do?” I’m not taking about a career change. Perhaps it’s more about a couple of hours of free time a week. What should we do with those? Where do we serve at church during a pandemic? How do we connect with people around us while social distancing? What do we want to do?
Just as we tell 17-year-olds making big life decisions, the more important question is, “What do you want to be?” Moldable, giving, loving, and trusting in the Lord’s call is the very definition of success.
Lord, what do You want us to do? It’s not a question for kids; it’s a question we can ask ourselves every morning. Lead us and help us know exactly where and how You want us to serve. We are showing up with the willingness to do it. Amen.
By Carrie Peterson
Carrie is happiest with her people and a pen in hand!
What do you want to do? As a parent of an incoming senior in high school, this question gets tossed around like confetti. From about the time third-graders have Career Day, people ask kids, “What do you want to do?” It always seems to be more about an industry than a passion or calling. The question is an important one, and this age and stage is a foundational piece to moving into adulthood. But does it end there? When was the last time you were asked, “What do you want to do?”
Esther didn’t have the opportunity to answer this question. When the king said, “Jump” … all the people said, “How high?” This included leaving behind her family, changing her name, and even ignoring her ethnicity. She would have had to change everything about herself – never having anyone ask her “What do you want to do?” Yet God gave her a purpose, a call, and a plan. All she had was willingness. We have so many options and choices to make – way more than Esther could have dreamed of. Yet we too just need to be willing.
Maybe today we need to ask ourselves, “What do you want to do?” I’m not taking about a career change. Perhaps it’s more about a couple of hours of free time a week. What should we do with those? Where do we serve at church during a pandemic? How do we connect with people around us while social distancing? What do we want to do?
Just as we tell 17-year-olds making big life decisions, the more important question is, “What do you want to be?” Moldable, giving, loving, and trusting in the Lord’s call is the very definition of success.
Lord, what do You want us to do? It’s not a question for kids; it’s a question we can ask ourselves every morning. Lead us and help us know exactly where and how You want us to serve. We are showing up with the willingness to do it. Amen.
By Carrie Peterson
Carrie is happiest with her people and a pen in hand!
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