Good Guidance

You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.

Psalm 31:3

MANY DADS FEEL THAT the most difficult part of fathering is behind them after diaper changes and late-night crying sessions are over. But once your children enter the final years of high school, a whole new challenge presents itself: helping your kids decide what they want to do with their lives.

For many of us, our college years are a distant memory. And the truth is, a four-year university may not be the right choice for every child. Junior college, trade schools, or career colleges can be good options. As fathers, we need to step up and guide our children through this transition.

Just as God knows us and guides us with His Holy Spirit, we need to nudge our older children to follow their God-given passions and talents. We can’t leave this important stage of life to somebody else. According to the American School Counselor Association, the ratio of high school students to counselors is 491:1. As dads, we can get one-on-one with our children to provide loving guidance.

The promise of Psalm 31:3 is that God will lead us and guide us. His name—His character as a good heavenly Father—requires it. We need to lead our children in God’s name, as well. We must encourage them to follow Him on their own in their next stage of life. When they do, they’ll discover that life can be an exciting adventure.

BOTTOM LINE

The transition from high school to college isn’t easy. We need to be there for our kids.

Moment of Strength: Psalm 78:70-72