By Ashlie Miller

“Where are you going to college?” That was the default question for my generation and maybe yours upon high school graduation. The follow-up question naturally assumed you had some idea about your life – “What do you plan to study?” Such weighty questions for mere 18-year-olds upon graduating high school.

Over time, with respect given to those entering the trades (I see you, Mike Rowe) or wanting to avoid huge debt, the question has transformed into, “What are your plans after graduation?” and acknowledges other options including community college, the trades, a gap year (or years), the military, and many other once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to do while you’re young.

But everyone, regardless of their chosen vehicle, is still trying to arrive at their destination, even if they are not yet certain where that is. So how can a graduate – or anyone for that matter – be certain they will reach their destination? My oldest son carries a keychain that says, “A man who follows God always gets to where he is going.” Is that an exclusive and perhaps naïve thought?

First, one has to consider the age-old perplexing question of, “What is my purpose?” Devoid of Christ, who can say? Who could define purpose and humanity’s end goal?

With Christ, many know that our chief end (as the catechism states) is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. In that understanding, God “make[s] known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). That is a promise of fulfillment regardless of a gap year or earning a Master’s.

But there are so many ways to go. How can anyone discern the perfect path? Reading God’s Word regularly as a Holy Spirit-indwelt Christian will light our path, even as we walk by faith (see Psalm 119:105). But even with a well-lit path, there are many distractions. How can we find and use wisdom? James 1:5 tells us that God is waiting to generously give us wisdom if we will simply ask.

Why wouldn’t we ask? Because we prefer to handle most things ourselves. Yet Proverbs 3:5-6 (perhaps one of the more familiar Proverbs) tells us to trust in and acknowledge the Lord alone, wholeheartedly, and not rely on our own understanding. The result? God will straighten out our paths. A straight path is much smoother than detours and dubious shortcuts.

Even with all these Divine helps, we are still prone to question our decisions. That is when we can rest in promises found in Psalm 32:23-34 and Proverbs 16:9, which both tell us that though we may make plans for our lives, if we delight in God’s ways, He promises to establish our steps.

These are truths worth remembering ourselves as we journey through life. If you have young family or friends in the class of 2026, perhaps you could share these with them to encourage them as they enter the big, wide unknown.

Ashlie Miller just celebrated the graduation of one of her sons. You can email her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.