YOUNG PEOPLE ASK Am I Ready to Leave Home?

Where Am I Headed?

Some who leave home are running away from problems or breaking free from parental authority.  Their focus is on what they are leaving, not where they are going.  But that approach is as reasonable as  trying to drive with one's eyes fixed on the rear-view mirror. When a driver is focused on what he is moving away from, he's blind to what is ahead.  The lesson?  To be successful, don't just concentrate on moving away from home-have your eyes fixed on a worthwhile goal.

Some young adults among Jehovah's Witnesses have moved in order to preach in isolated locations within their country or even overseas. Others move to help with the construction of places of worship or to work at a branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses.  Still others feel that they should live by themselves for a time before they get married. 

Write a goal that you would like to achieve by moving away from home.  It is possible in some cases, to stay at home too long and not develop  the maturity and skills needed for living on your own. Even so, don't be in a rush to make a decision.  Think it through.  "The plans of a diligent one sure make for advantage," states a Bible proverb,  "but everyone that is hasty surly heads for want." (Proverbs 21:5) Listen to your parent's advice.  (Proverbs 23:22)  Pray about the matter. And as you make up your mind, consider the Bible principles just discussed.

The real question is not Am I ready to leave home? but Am I ready to manage my own household? If the answer to that latter question is yes, then it might be time for you to strike out on your own. 

Next time: "Bible Study Benefits the Deaf"

From the Awake! magazine