These words quoted by Elisabeth Elliot from an old English poem comprise such a markedly simple (yet truthful) resolution for those paralyzed by the plethora of choice that lies before them. I've been in this place on several occasions, the most jarring of which was right after college graduation. This was the first time in my life when the next thing wasn't already neatly prescribed. And yet this was the first of many such times where I had a choice before me and no signs pointing from heaven that made the choice obvious. Proverbs 16:9 says, "The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." This verse has become a valuable truth in the midst of not knowing what's next, yet at the same time wrestling with so much I have wanted to do. It sets me at ease to do the next thing. And doing the next thing has allowed me to examine more closely what's before me, and I have never lacked for something to do. The idealist/perfectionist in me wages war against finding something better in search of the elusive sublime - perhaps because doing the next thing seems too obvious, or mundane.

I take comfort, as Elliot did, in these words:

Many a questioning, many a fear, Many a doubt, hath its quieting here. Moment by moment, Let down from Heaven, Time, opportunity, Guidance, are given. Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King, Trust them with Jesus, Do the next thing.

Do it immediately; Do it with prayer; Do it reliantly, casting all care; Do it with reverence, Tracing His Hand, Who placed it before thee with Earnest command. Stayed on Omnipotence, Safe 'neath His wing, Leave all resultings, Do the next thing.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener, (Working or suffering) Be thy demeanor, In His dear presence, The rest of His calm, The light of His countenance Be thy psalm, Strong in His faithfulness, Praise and sing, Then, as He beckons thee, Do the next thing.

It's graduation season, and for someone like me in academia it means donning the commencement regalia and participating in all the pomp and circumstance that accompanies this important rite of passage. I have to remind myself what a big deal this is to the students who endeavored themselves to their field of study to emerge a degree holder (with all the rights and privileges there unto). I remind myself because I am easily jaded - but predictably, when the faculty procession begins it hits me why we elevate this achievement. It is significant when we acknowledge finishing something that not only requires attention, but also effort and persistence. This is not to say, however, that we paint too rosy a picture of the next steps ahead, or gloss over the fact that the uncertainty that comes in the transition may cause us to doubt everything that we've journeyed through. Sometimes we lay on the platitudes too thickly and forget that we ought to inject a dose of reality in which the stars do not align and the worst is yet to come. Enter again the cynic. But the cynic in me is quieted when I realize there are only a number of finishes we make until the cycle ends and an eternity of celebrating the finished work of Christ commences.