Dr. Stanley Watson

for the

Family Support Network

TEEN AGE DECISIONS

Several parents have told me that they have given certain of these columns to their children and a few young people have told me that they received them. Today I am addressing young people directly and offering some suggestions on dealing with one of these decisions:

Finding a mate for life.

Finding a life's work.

Finding a satisfying life view.

Let's start with finding a life view. It is necessary to have a fairly clear view of life in order to find a life's mate and to choose a life's work. Check out the following life styles that are popular today and mark the one that best describes your attitude:

"Life is one big party. We're here for fun, fun, fun. Avoid dullsville at all costs. Do it all. Let it all hang out. Drugs, sex, the works. You only go around once. Straight is for wimps."

"Life is a shoot out at O.K.Corral. You can't trust anybody, man. Do them before they do you, see? Don't take nothing off of nobody. Carry a gun. They better respect you, right?" (Note: This one is pure poison. Don't even think about it.)

"Life is a con game. Everybody's out to get what he can. If you're smart you learn the game quick because most people are too dumb to know where its at. Bunch of chickens ready to be plucked."

"Life is the pits. Nothing goes right because the cards are stacked against you. Might as well fold and give up. The future is just not there for this generation."

"Life is an assignment. Its a big job and its serious but it can be handled. With all the resources available, a person can do a great job."

Life is made up of a little of each of the above. There are times for fun, there are dangerous times and places, there are times when you have to outthink others, and there are gloomy times. I hope you picked "Life is an assignment" because the serious business of living should be viewed as a journey that is full of excitement, a challenging adventure that never ends.

Look at some of your resources:

1. Your mind. We all have mental limitations but none of us will use the full capacity of the brain God gave us. In reality the brain is like the latest model computer with which we can travel the information highway. It should not be limited to merely playing games.
2. Your personality. None are perfectly developed and none are fully mature but it is surprising how much they improve when we pay attention to the interests and needs of our loved ones, friends, and acquaintances. When they express their appreciation it does wonders for our self-confidence to say nothing of our self-esteem.
3. God. I'm talking about the heavenly Father who is anxious to help you make the most of the life he gave you. Believe that he will provide the circumstances through which you can make the right decisions at the right time. Your part is to trust Him, talk to Him, and live your life the way He leads.
4. Other persons. These consist of parents and family members, friends, pastors, teachers, and all the worthwhile people who care about you. If their total number is few, I can assure you there are others who would gladly fill the position of "friend". If the number is many, feel blessed because you are loved.

Your life view and life style is your responsibility alone. Consider them carefully and make decisions for tomorrow because, as you grow older you will not normally change a lot. More likely you will simply be as you are now only more so. In the next column I plan to offer a few suggestions on finding a life's mate and choosing a life's work.

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