College Student Missionary Program

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

Ok, now I need some advice please. This is a long story that I don't know if I can adequately summarize here but I'll try.

My DS(20) is just finishing junior college after a long process involving baseball , bad grades etc. However,I THINK he is finally getting his act together.

He has been accepted into a four year college, we have a deposit on an apt but now after a week out of state on a mission trip he is thinking about applying for a student missionary position next year, out of state. He is very involved with his church at school and has a strong developing faith.

Please understand I am extremely proud of his intent but I really, really want him to finish school first. As unfocused as he has been, I'm afraid if he takes this break, he won't go back. Having been down that road myself, I know how hard it is to go back as an adult, (although technically he is an adult now). Also, he tends to get very wrapped up in the moment ( last month he wanted to go to Colorado and open a ski shop when he graduated).

Tell me your opinions (gently please, I'm fragile right now... stress level up!!! ) Would you encourage him to do this right now even though you don't think he is ready or would you really try to convince him to finish school? I'm really torn over this and don't know quite what to do. I realize he is an adult but you can't ever stop worrying about them and this could affect the rest of his life, regardless of which one he chooses.

Help! Please!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

He needs to do what he wants to do. Honestly, you will only do harm if you try and FORCE him to go to school. Let him see if this is really what he wants to do. I think it's very honorable.

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

Thanks for your advice.. I agree that forcing him would be a mistake. I know I can't force him into anything at his age.. he has some wonderful qualities but he just has a hard time focusing and with time/money management and I think he needs to develop these skills more before taking off to another state etc under these circumstances. Maybe I'm not giving him enough credit and this would be what it takes for him to develop these skills.

I agree it is very honorable and I am proud of him!

 

[minkydog]

Actually, I would let him do this because he has been so unfocused. It sounds like he doesn't know what he wants or who he is. If he gives this his heart and finds that this is where he belongs, he'll get focused and discover he needs to finish school(or whatever training) so he can continue.

My oldest son dropped out of school when he was halfway through his senior year--high school. He was 18 and decided he wanted to join a friend with Disney On Ice and he was going to make a ton of money. Ultimately, I had no choice but to let him go. Hardest thing I ever did.

John came back 4-5 months later a man. He had determined that he knew what he did not want to do with his life. He finished high school(on time, I might add!) and spent a year in college. He, too, was unfocused, but eventually he decided he just wanted to work for awhile. He has been employed with Blockbuster for over a year and is on the track to management. He loves his job and never misses a day. He directs theater on the side and writes music. He thinks he's in heaven!

Who are we to decide what's right for our kids? As much as I would love to see my son finish college, I know it might not happen. I always said I just want my kids to be good citizens and good spouses/parents. That starts with being happy with who you are and what you choose as your life work.

Give him your blessing and a soft place to land if it doesn't work out.