A Future -- Where?

I have an active imagination: I can often picture myself doing something, going anywhere, or being with someone (whether it is becoming a writer, living abroad, or even joining the military). I know...right! These pictures, though, are mere illusions in my mind. I entertain these ideas (sometimes far-fetched, sometimes beyond my capabilities) as a direction to my future: Is it foolish, simply wishful thinking?

I think so.

This past Fall, I greatly considered joining the military -- Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, or Air Force. My preferences are now in the Navy or the Coast Guard. I ask myself: is this my future? I can imagine joining for a certain amount of time -- maybe 5 to 10 years -- before returning to academic life and studying conservation biology (anywhere!). And joining the military would lead me into that direction. Is that selfish? Not only would I gain the benefits of becoming a part of an integral community but I would develop a stronger sense of character -- the values of teamwork, commitment, responsibility, and protection -- instilled in every action.

Just check out the Navy and Coast Guard's recruiting websites. Both are filled with inspiring messages to fulfill ones dreams. Both, upon entering the websites, create "Accelerate Your Life" (Navy) and "The Shield of Freedom" (Coast Guard). As a daydreamer I find myself easily attracted to these sites, whether or not it is what I am supposed to do is questionable.

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In my dorm room, my roommate and I have decorated the walls with posters, pictures, and proverbs (thank you Katherine). My side of the room expresses who I am: I have a poster of John Lennon's song "Imagine" and posters of TV shows, like Kyle XY, and movies like Elizabeth: the Golden Age and The Chronicles of Narnia. The bookshelf contains hundreds of books: selections from my favorite author Madeleine L'Engle, books on history, books on Christian living, and books on nature. It's an ambiguous library.

Katherine's corner is less materialistic. She has a select number of books (some required for school and some are not). Photographs of her friends and family dominant the room. On a corner wall close to her bed, she has a poster of the Names of God. Jewlery and an assortment of gifts from friends clutter the desk space. Her space is an excellent example of a dedicated walk with Christ. [I admire you so much! You are an inspiration to me and I need your guidance.]

Since my computer crashed last weekend, I have had to do my work on Katherine's computer. Here, I am not in my circle of comfort (at my desk) but in hers. Beside the mirror, she has posted several biblical proverbs of which I have not heeded until now. I think one is relevant to my problem: Proverbs 19: 20.

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your
life.