Freedom is Here, Like you, I’m rather clueless concerning my future. I know that I ultimately want to have a family of my own, be a wife, mother, and homeschool my children, but outside of that, I’m quite lost as to my “in-between” years. I know I want to serve the Lord no matter what, preferably in a third-world country, but… I’m just not sure what to do, exactly, with the next 12 years of my life (I’m told I probably won’t marry until then). Any advice, brother?

Like you, I'm rather clueless concerning my future. I know that I ultimately want to have a family of my own, be a wife, mother, and homeschool my children, but outside of that, I'm quite lost as to my "in-between" years. I know I want to serve the Lord no matter what, preferably in a third-world country, but... I'm just not sure what to do, exactly, with the next 12 years of my life (I'm told I probably won't marry until then). Any advice, brother?

Anonymous

I believe that our futures are purposefully obscured. In ways, that fact is annoying and makes me anxious, but in other, more meaningful ways, I actually feel more secure knowing that I don’t have knowledge or complete control over my future since I’ve chosen to let God take control. 12 years is a long time. Is college (I’m not sure how old you are) part of your plan, or travel, or entering the work force? I assume that you’re still growing mentally (and we’re always growing spiritually), so college allows for more time for growth, understanding, and therefore revelation.

See, I could get married right now. I just have that desire, that passion. I think society is stupid for imposing some unwritten law that getting married at 18 or slightly younger is stupid (this is not to say that the projected 12 years you said here was given by society, but the general age of marriage is about 25 in America which I think is sad). It is stupid if the young person marries the wrong person, but that’s wrong no matter the age. I want many children, as well. I don’t ascribe to the belief that its best to have 1-3 kids tops. :)

Advice? I’m afraid that I haven’t got much. But what I do have is the best I could give you: pray. And also, pray. And then after that, pray. And later, pray to God. Otherwise, just sit tight and hang on for the ride. It promises to be a good one. :)

Have a wonderful evening, my dear.