Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

FaithWalkers

Home
Evangelical
The Question: What Are You Going to Be When You Grow Up?

The Question: What Are You Going to Be When You Grow Up?

Last updated on: August 19, 2012 at 7:13 am by Bill Blankschaen

The Question: What Are You Going to Be When You Grow Up? 2012-08-19T07:13:21-06:00 Bill Blankschaen

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

“What are you going to be when you grow up?”

When my children are asked this question — and they often are — I have taught them that they do NOT have to answer.

Am I rude? I don’t think so.

I think it’s the question itself that’s out of place.

Photo via http://www.rlnaquin.com/2011/04/the-invisible-question-mark/

Think about it.

How do kids usually answer this question? I think I used to pick chemist as my acceptable answer. My College Algebra teacher’s laughing hysterically right now. At least now he knows I’m awake.

Most children answer by conjuring up a pre-packaged answer that will be acceptable to the questioner.

They think career. They think job. Without any thought as to their unique strengths or style.

But I don’t want my kids living — hoping — to be picked for a job. I want them living to become who their Creator wired them to be.

There is no box for that. Not yet. They each need to discover it.

Two Problems

I have two problems with the question:

The use of what instead of who. What implies that children should choose an option already constructed in which to fit their future. But the future demands change. Always. Looking back to the boxes of the previous generation never works. Not really a great fit? Just cram it in. At least the benefits package is good. Who is a person. A living, dynamic, eternal, and growing being always moving forward in a unique direction yet to be determined. The first seeks approval. The latter questions the edges of the box.
The suggestion that they will somehow, someday arrive at a destination called “grown up.” Until then, they can wait to be picked. And get good grades. Because that’s what you do while you’re waiting to get “grown up.” But there is no button that get’s pushed at some magical age that signifies arrival. There is a life-long process of growth. A path of discovery.

Of becoming.

You.

Next time you enage a child, try asking this question instead:

Who are you becoming?

On second thought, let’s try it on ourselves first. After all, we’re all grown up.

Aren’t we?

What do you think? Am I crazy to be so concerned about the words my children use? What answers would you give to this question? Leave a comment to help us all grow.

Don’t forget to subscribe via e-mail for a chance to win Jeff Goins’ new book Wrecked*.***

Previous Post

August 17, 2012

Disney Celebrates Adoption: Review of The Odd Life of Timothy Green

Next Post

August 24, 2012 Why All Christians Should Care About Politics

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Book Reviews Christian Living Church Culture FaithWalkers Family Guest Posts In Your Church Interviews Leadership Movie Reviews Politics Spotlight Uncategorized

Select a Month November 2017 August 2017 July 2017 May 2017 March 2017 January 2017 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 May 2015 April 2015 February 2015 January 2015 November 2014 August 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which king asked Elijah for help against the armies of Moab and Edom?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Joash Jehoshaphat Jehoram Joram