Ever notice how most new movies, shows, and music lack any true creativity or imagination? It’s like they all come from the same giant factory. And from a spiritual perspective, perhaps they do. 

We all have our favorite playlist of songs that make up the soundtrack of our lives. My all-time favorite classic pop group? Toto. For real. Their songs just make me happy. When you’re in the mood for some light, catchy songs, check out their greatest hits (Rosanna, Africa, Hold The Line, 99).

When you’re unsure what to do next, don’t give into the pressure to make a quick decision based on human wisdom.  

Instead, take an hour or a day and get away from the noise, the distractions, and group think. Draw near to God. Seek his presence. Ask for his guidance. Rest in his peace. Consider which path has the potential to draw you closer to God rather than the gravitational pull of what’s most obvious, easy, or comfortable. 

When we’re young, life is all about this moment. Right now. There’s little patience for later. Our focus is limited to whatever’s in front of us. 

It’s playing the short game. 

“Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something, and has lost something.” 

There’s nothing quite like the frustration of spending endless hours trying to resolve an unfair situation and getting nowhere. Especially when it involves hours of being on-hold an 80's jazz song on endless repeat interrupted every minute by a robot voice informing you that “call volume is higher than usual.” 

God regularly speaks to us through story. And in today’s world, that primarily happens through the movies and series we watch. 

When past explorers discovered new lands, they often arrived by boat. The captain knew when things got hard, the crew would be tempted to sail home. 

The worldview of young adults is under assault in unprecedented ways. Practically every aspect of social media, entertainment, and even education is infused with incessant indoctrination.  

Faith is held up as a really good thing. But I would say, it depends. 

If that sounds heretical, stay with me.

I’ve noticed a troubling trend that’s infected most graduation speeches. The speaker—whether a school president, celebrity, or honor student—all stumble while trying to eloquently define real success or the reason to be hopeful for the future.

Graduations aren’t limited to high school and college ceremonies.  

We’re all students of someone or something. We learn and grow by staying curious, humble, and pushing through against great odds…regardless of our age or stage of life.