“You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” (Psalm 73:24 NLT)
As a freshman in high school I spent my share of time in the Counselor’s Office, sent there to meet with the man assigned to provide me guidance through school, and simultaneously prepare me by providing me with wisdom to wither through the sometimes woeful and other times life that lie ahead; times that would combine trouble and triumph. His job was to help me reach my destiny. While I am confessing to you, yes you, for God knows all about my journey through life, let me tell you I also spent some time, unrequested time in that undesirable place where nobody wants to be sent, the Dean’s Office. I primarily want to tell you about the counselor, but let me add a line or a few lines about the Dean. The Dean encouraged me to pursue academic success. He cared about my destiny too. Years later after high school, during my third year of teaching at the secondary level, this Dean had been promoted to a principal of a local high school. He continued to provide me with encouragement and much needed direction in his new capacity. Not only did he hire me to teach, and he graciously assigned me the responsibility of developing two student teachers during my novice years as a teacher, but he placed me in the position of teaching Psychology at my high school alma mater during night school. That was part of my destiny, and I owe him a lot. Therefore, I had to recognize him.
Now, about the counselor. He taught my first period, Freshmen Orientation class, a class where you received no credit. Since there was no credit awarded, coupled with the fact that I had issues rooted in the economic conditions of our family at the time, I skipped that class frequently. I probably should say, more often than not. My day usually started at the second period. Yes, the “angel” of my church today, I was far from an angel then. Note that when you do wrong, there are always consequences. The road to your destiny is filled with lessons to learn. The Freshmen Orientation class had no credit, but you got a grade. My final semester grade was an “F.” Eventually I found my way academically and even scored well on the PSAT test as a junior, well enough that I was considered for a scholarship. Yet to be considered, I needed the recommendation from my counselor. You can imagine how that went. Of course, I did not get it. I may not have learned the subject content in Orientation, but I learned the obvious, as stated above. When you do wrong, there are always consequences of some type or the other.
Let’s skip ahead. Five years later, after completing my senior year in high school and my undergraduate work, I was hired to teach at a school that was trying to integrate its staff. To my surprise, my high school counselor had been transferred to this school and we were teachers in the same department. He was surprised to see me too! I remember him commenting, “It looks like my counseling finally paid off.” We were now peers, but he still gave me much needed counseling. He knew I had some more lessons to learn. Peers and sometimes pals, we played tennis together and I helped him as a volunteer, coach his freshmen basketball team. The counseling experiences continued. When he was hit with an illness, I temporarily coached the freshmen team all by myself. That was a dream come true. Being a coach, I thought that was my destiny. I only got to coach two games in the city tournament. We won the first game and lost the second. And get this, it was played at my high school alma mater, a school known for its basketball prowess and a its power in the sport is still recognized. Isn’t that something? Both the Dean and my counselor presented me with opportunities to give back to my secondary school.
I’m grateful for my counselor’s impact on my life, even if it took awhile for me to absorb it and apply it. The counselor and the Dean were human advisors who helped me reach my real destiny, eventually. I rejoice, for I had a Divine Advisor too! I’m glad, and I know you are too, that we have a Supreme Counselor, the all-wise God who can direct our paths in the many areas we will travel on this earth, leading us to our appointed destiny. Aren’t you glad? Are you? Well I did not sense you saying, “Amen!” My advice today is that you look to God, and look voluntarily. But if you won’t do it of your own accord, consider this meditation as a hall pass, a note that is intended to send you on your way to His holy office. Don’t wait or dilly-dally around getting there, for you will waste opportunities to get better and better each day of your life. Don’t skip “class” like I did in high school, but find yourself being present as He speaks to you daily! I’m trying to assume the role of helping you reach your glorious destiny. The Lord, He will guide you to behaviors that will deserve a remarkable recommendation and, He will express confidence in you, the same exact way that He did so with the Bible character named Job, as you face our enemy, the tempter. Consider these things you have read! Seek God’s counsel and watch your destiny unfold! Be blessed!
“Then the Lord asked, “What do you think of my servant Job? No one on earth is like him—he is a truly good person, who respects me and refuses to do evil.” (Job 1:8 CEV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King