“Milestones are installed to provide linear referencing points along the road. This can be used to reassure travelers that the proper path is being followed, and to indicate either distance traveled or the remaining distance to a destination†(Wikipedia, “Milestone,†2021).
Life is full of milestones. The first words. First steps. The first day of school. Learning to ride a bike. Driving a car for the first time. The first job. Graduation. Marriage. A new baby.
Some milestones we anticipate and celebrate. Others, like mile markers on the side of the highway, we pass by without paying much attention.
Several are celebrating the milestone of high school and college graduation right now. This is a monumental and stressful time for our children and our parents! Whether it’s high school or college graduation, we, as parents, wonder if “the training†is complete. Is it enough? Have we taught them well? Are they ready for what’s next?
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old, he will not depart from it†(CSB). How do you know? How, as a parent, do you know if you’ve started them out on the right way?
Milestones.
As a graduate, you may wonder if you’re ready. Are you prepared? Are you equipped?
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…†Are you ready to do that? How do you know if you’re committed to God as you ought to be?
Milestones.
Pay attention to those reference points along the way. They can be used to reassure us we’re following the right path — that our kids are following the right road in life. Look at her life at Milestone 55 and compare it to Milestone 32 — whatever those were. How is she growing, maturing, and developing in her life? Look at his most recent milestone and see how far he’s come. You will be able to see the distance he’s traveled. Examine your own progress. You can see the path you’re following. Just be honest with yourself. If the proper path isn’t being followed, correct it before the next milestone appears in life.
Observe the milestones. Appreciate them. More importantly, appreciate the traveler. The traveler may be you. It may be your child you’re observing. Whoever it is, value those markers along the way in life. Measuring those milestones may help you see what’s next. Even better, they may help you see you’ve prepared a way from which the traveler — you or your child — will not depart.
Clint