I will most likely be receiving "life advice" my entire life. But the fact that I'm young and in college seems to be enough to merit enormous amounts of it. (i.e. - the title)
I worked at a small town eatery for three years in high school. As I got to know the customers on a personal level, some would ask what my plans were after high school. During my senior year, one older man in particular would ask about my career choice(s) every time he came in. After listening to me explain my plans, he would reply with the same advice every time: "Go where the money is. Don't go to Hollywood. All these young kids dreamin' about becoming actors and actresses... that's not where the money is. Go to college. Get a good job. Make the money." I didn't have anything to say in response, so I would just smile and nod.
After completing my freshman year at MBU, I came home and worked in the same eatery this past summer. Today, that same man came in.
After asking about college, the first question out of his mouth was, "Do you have a boyfriend?" (Now, before I continue, we must have the understanding that, to some people, being in college is equivalent to finding/having that significant other. Let me straighten that out right now: It's Not.)
"No."
"Are you going with a guy?"
"No." (Isn't that the same question, just rephrased?!)
*nods head* "Good. Keep away from the boys and go for the money. And stay away from marriage." (This coming from the man who was convinced I needed to meet his grandson!)
I laughed off his "advice," silently wondering why everyone (and I use "everyone" loosely) thinks that college equals relationship status.
Later this afternoon, another older man came in for a cup of coffee. I had never seen this man before today. As the coffee brewed, he made small talk. Although I had a list of stuff to do, I stopped and talked with him. He asked what year I was in school and I told him that I'm a sophomore in college. As we talked, we made the connection that we're both believers in Christ. As he was leaving, he said, "I'll be praying blessings on you and for your continued success. But at college, be guarded. Keep eyes in the back of your head." He glanced around before saying, "There are a lot of weird people in this world, but [we must reach out to them.]"
Two pieces of advice coming from two different world views. As I finished cleaning up, I thought about how Man #1 shared the world's wisdom, whereas Man #2 brought real wisdom to the table.
The truth is, we are all fed advice every day. Some of it is the world's wisdom, and some of it is actual wisdom. Whom will we listen to? Will we accept the world's road or God's?
Whom will you listen to?
Whom will I listen to?
Proverbs 8:11
"For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."
