Moving on

About this time in August 70 years ago I was on holiday with a school friend climbing the Munros in Central Perthshire, Scotland. I had left our itinerary of Youth Hostel stays with my mother. Arriving at our hostel at the foot of Ben Lawers I was given a postcard from home which said ‘Well done you’ve passed all your O levels!’ I can still feel the relief and remember the thought that went with it.  I’ve got the job that was contingent on that result and I was to start work in London directly the holiday was over. I was about to move on!
 
This prompts me to think about the young people who will be going through emotions similar to mine all those years ago.
 
The unknown future can be a bit scary but also exciting.  Scripture Union have produced a leaflet for parents whose child is leaving Primary and going into a Secondary. It’s called ‘It’s your move’. It is very helpful to allay any fears.
Many young people will have made a decision to follow Jesus at camps and holiday missions. How best to move on?
 
New school, leaving home for university, a new job, these are all great  challenges but also great opportunities!  How can they make the most of them?
 
We all live in real time and have our concerns about the future. How can we look to the future with untroubled hearts and minds?  Jesus gave the answer in His guidance for life issues in the Sermon on the mount.. Put God first! He is our loving heavenly Father and His Holy Spirit lives with us and in us.
 
To young and old alike the Bible tells us ‘wait on the Lord!’ This means seek Him and listen; then move on with confidence.
Ian Jepps