Which Road?

​This week’s Mustard Seed follows our trip down the east coast of Italy. As we travelled I pondered the parallels between highways and modern education.
We were in Bologna, more by chance than by desire. We knew we wanted to get to Greece. We looked at the map and found the right highway. We travelled the length of Italy but we didn’t really experience Italy. The toll way was efficient but it bypassed the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Italy. The barricades lining both sides kept traffic clatter from escaping but also barred visual wonders from entering. We could have been anywhere.
     Similarly, my college pre-admittance interest and aptitude test battery positioned me on a World of Work map. My counsellor suggested any profession plotted near me would be suitable. Once I selected a job, I need simply sign up for the appropriate program. That would be the freeway — the shortest, straightest path from high school graduation to chosen profession.
     In my rebellious youth, I rejected my counsellor’s counsel. I believed those tests were designed more for employers than for students. College molded workers more than it formed people. I also surmised that I arrived where I was by circumstance, not choice. What I hadn’t done and didn’t know had just as much influence as what I had done and did know. I wanted a bit more experience before binding myself to a forty year career.
     Looking back, my trip afforded a brush with European culture and history, but I never stayed in one place long enough to find any depth. All I remember of Italy is my frustration with the narrow, twisted streets of Bologna and a gorgeous sunset. I missed most of Italy by taking the toll road. But that also left more time to spend in Greece. Who’s to say whether that was better or worse?
    When I counsel my sons about their education I suggest they choose a career and follow the program. They may have to jump through hoops that don’t seem productive. That’s the price for getting where they want to be. There may be other ways of getting there, but they’re longer and less certain.
     I don’t regret my convoluted path; I had many great experiences because of my refusal to conform to the educational system. I don’t recommend my path either. Refusing the prescribed route narrowed my options. Can is not may; credentials open doors which remain locked to mere ability.
    By God’s grace I have my faith, a wonderful wife, and two sons. Given a chance to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change anything for risk of losing them. If I was assured of still having them in a different life, I would choose differently. Would different be better? My stubborn youth closed more doors than it opened. Do as I say, not as I do, is hypocritical. Do as I say, not as I did, is benevolent. 
     Next week: On to Greece.
                                                           God bless.

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