You were born to privilege, and with that comes specific obligations.”

Those were the words of the Queen to her son Prince Henry in the movie Ever After. Henry was in the typical dilemma that I’m sure all royalty through the ages has faced: the challenge of having an inheritance and duty that they would rather not be burdened with so they could follow their heart’s desire instead.

That little conflict came to mind as I recently contemplated why I plan on studying college.
Do not presume for an instant that I have been convinced that college is the prescribed way to go. My reasons are not a result of peer lust or school board agenda drive. Rather, it is a result of certain privileges.

I find it amazing to see the different ways in which our CREATOR and SAVIOR chooses to bless different people. I have been blessed with a college scholarship to any college in the State of Alabama. Often times I have thought that I would rather be blessed with that kind of money in hard cash or in a barn and fence for our property. But for some strange reason the LORD chose to give it to me this way. Why me, LORD? There are so many others striving for college financing and YOU have given it to me when I didn’t even ask for it!

Do not presume for an instant that I have enmity towards college for college’s sake. You might say I descend from collegiate royalty ( 😉 ) actually, since my grandfather was President of the University of Alabama. Thus, college is held in high esteem in my extended family and I am privileged to have much expected of me. Furthermore, we live at a reasonably close driving distance away from the college my aunts once attended, so I am blessed to remain a stay-at-home daughter while acting upon the specific obligations that come with my privilege.

“And JESUS kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and men.”
~ Luke 2:52

I’ve actually pondered that verse quite often…wondering how in changing societies you are to live in a way in which you are in favor with both GOD and men. I suppose that if we accept the challenges and opportunities given to us and multiply our talents with righteous motives and discernment then there will be little for the world to legitimately find fault with.

In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”
~ Titus 2:7-8

“Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to HIM.”~ 2 Corinthians 5:9

There are some extra benefits to this college privilege.
Since I am by government standards an adult, I must be a college student in order to remain a dependent in my father’s household and thus receive health insurance, etc. (I haven’t seen the doctor or dentist in many years, but still…). ‘Tis rather absurd, but that is the way the contemporary government reasons. Even though I am an active stay-at-home daughter, they might think that I’m just a young adult trying to remain in Never-Never land that should have already flown the coop. So, ironically, college is actually helping me avoid being forced into the work force and having to provide for myself.

Though certainly not an educational requirement per se, having at least a Bachelor’s Degree will provide more legal security for homeschooling my own children in the future (if it be my LORD’s will that I marry and have children). In light of the recent California cabal, such security might be worth having.

Though we all know that it isn’t necessary, a college degree does enhance an author’s credentials. It may help me with selling screenplays or getting published in the future. Ultimately, I refuse to buy into the world’s myth of college elitism – and now days the public is admitting that the conventional 4-year college degree is declining value.

But I still have been blessed with surprising privileges, so I will do my best to bring glory to my GOD and honor to my family in my unique circumstances.

~Amanda~

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