For Guidance in Life

[JamesR]

Well, a lot of things have been racing across my mind. After talking to my teacher and guidance counselor, it turns out that I am going to be graduating High-School by the end of this school-year--one year early than all my peers. And they keep badgering me about applying for colleges and stuff, and my parents are somewhat involved, but are moving kind of slow, and there isn't much personal advice they could give me either, since they married right out of high-school due to having me and just worked instead of pursuing higher education. On the one hand, I feel tempted to do the same exact thing they did, simply because it's all I'm familiar with seeing and learning about from them, but on the other hand, everyone wants me to pursue something higher. I don't know if it's too soon to be worried about whether I want to get married or become a monastic, I don't know what type of life I want, and I just feel like I have very little time to decide and make my decision, since I'm going to be graduated by the end of the school year. Please pray that I will know what to do, and things will work out. Advice would be appreciated too.

[Ansgar]

Lord have mercy!

Maybe traveling for a few months would be an option. That's what I'm planning when I graduate this summer. It's a good way to put your life into perspective.

[serb1389]

^ agreed.  There are also a ton of one semester programs out there & every class you take counts for credit if yeah for your courses.  I'd look into that too.  Your HS guidance counselor could be helpful too. 

God bless you!  May the archangels guide you!

[marigold]

Lord, have mercy on Your servant, JamesR, and guide him.

JamesR, congratulations on your early graduation. I admire you for your diligence and hard work.
May God  bless you always.

[William]

I don't understand how you can be told you're graduating in a few months at this point. All the good colleges had their application deadlines back in January.

[Maximum Bob]

Lord have mercy on James R. If your graduating early it suggests you have the aptitude to go on and do something with the education. Not everyone has that, it's generally not a bad idea to play to your strengths.

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

My advice, which isn't worth much:


Right now, do what makes you happy as long as it does not conflict with your Orthodox Faith. You are bound neither by the rules of monasticism nor the opinions of men. Try not to make any decisions based upon pressure from others. Our Lord's yoke is easy and His burden is light. The Christian life is indeed a struggle, but manmade pressures and human manipulations are not from God. You can never please everyone. God has blessed you with a sound mind and keen interests, so pursue your God given desires and don't worry about what others think. If you do this, then those that truly love you will come to respect your choices in the end.

"Lord have mercy."



Selam

[Symeon77]

My advice, which isn't worth much:


Right now, do what makes you happy as long as it does not conflict with your Orthodox Faith. You are bound neither by the rules of monasticism nor the opinions of men. Try not to make any decisions based upon pressure from others. Our Lord's yoke is easy and His burden is light. The Christian life is indeed a struggle, but manmade pressures and human manipulations are not from God. You can never please everyone. God has blessed you with a sound mind and keen interests, so pursue your God given desires and don't worry about what others think. If you do this, then those that truly love you will come to respect your choices in the end.

"Lord have mercy."



Selam

FWIW, James, I would second this. Despite the prevailing insistence, in certain circles, of the dualistic choice between marriage or monasticism, there is a third option: it is possible to remain in the world, dedicating oneself to a chosen vocation, and living chastely, or at least attempting one's best to do so. We are not living in 18th/19th C. Holy Russia. As Gebre so rightly put it, we are not bound by the opinions of men, and I dare say—with all due respect—this includes the opinions of clergy. Seek the face of the Lord and follow your heart, provided it is not leading you to sin. Don't stress out. God will guide you. You remain in my prayers.

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