The Places Graduates Go: Deserts and Gardens
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where–” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
Do you recognize this conversation from Alice in Wonderland? If you’re graduating, maybe you feel a little bit like Alice. You’d like very much to stop and ask for directions.
Along the way, though, life is going to take you places you might not expect. Last time, we saw the first two, and today, we’re going to look at two more.
THE DESERT
Missionary explorer David Livingston trekked across Africa from west to east and braved many hazards, including the Kalahari Desert. If you’re looking for an inspirational biography, I challenge you to read his.
He had this perspective on where life took him:
I’d rather be in the heart of Africa in the will of God, than on the throne of England, out of the will of God.
Although you may never cross a literal desert, you will face times of spiritual dryness or times when God just doesn’t seem to hear your prayers.
That’s when waiting on Him becomes so important. Trust me, I’ve been there. The “waiting room,” as I’ve come to call it, is not a fun place to be. When is a door going to open? When is God going to make a way where there seems to be no way?
Ironically, the barrenness of the desert can produce some of the richest fruit in our lives, because it forces us to depend day by day on our heavenly Father.
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV)
Learn to face deserts with anticipation, because you never know how God will lead you through and what will be waiting on the other side.
THE GARDEN
By garden, I mean quiet and still places with cool grass beneath your feet and gentle streams.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:2-3 NKJV)
The garden is a place of rest, refreshment and refocus. When you find yourself with breathing room, don’t chide that the action and drama of life have slowed. Take the opportunity to spend more time in God’s Word and enjoy the people and opportunities at your fingertips.
While planning ahead is great, counting your blessings in the here and now is also important.
Thank God for what you have, and trust Him for tomorrow.
COMMENCEMENT
Graduate, I’m excited for all the places you’ll go! God has good plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). Don’t waste the precious life entrusted to you, but pursue the passions God’s laid on your heart. Give God permission to redirect as He sees best, and get ready for the next step on your journey.
~ Kristen
