THE PATH

Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one - Reisner Andrea

Three months later, everyone was busy preparing for the forthcoming exams at the centre and also for the general UTME. The trio met at the pavilion and started to discuss. Jessica and Kate had successfully changed their courses. Jessica had also changed her choice of institution to the University of Lagos after due approval from God and  her parents. “I am so happy my parents agreed to my decision”, Jessica laughed heartily.
“Well, who wouldn’t?” Kate asked excitedly as she swung her hands up and down.

“When I told them about it at first, my mum was so concerned about my wellbeing especially when she considered the workload. She prayed and encouraged me but dad..” Jessica laughed.
“He was full of excitement when he heard of business administration. He was telling me that I’ll finally take up his wine shipping business.”
The girls burst into laughter at this juncture.
“What did you tell him then?” Kate asked, still trying to control her laughter.
“I told him that it’s not about his business but God’s plans. So, he told me that he was happy, no matter what prompted the change.” Jessica replied. “Hmmm, I feel everything is happening the way my dad wanted. Do you know he actually wanted me to study business administration at first?”
“Really?” Kate asked.
“Yes he did. But, I disagreed and with my mum’s support, I had my way. But see how God works… I’m going on the path I rejected it before.”

As the conversation continued, the girls noticed that Phillip looked downcast. His father had refused to grant his approval for Phillip to study law. According to him, he had always wanted his son to be a doctor.
“Hmmm..” Phillip sighed. “I wish things will go well for me the way it’s working out for both of you.”
The girls pitied his condition and took turns cheering him up. “Everything will work out fine, Phillip. Let’s keep on praying. God will intervene since He’s involved in it. Don’t worry.”
“But, I don’t have much time. You girls have done everything so you can focus on your exams but for me, my mind cannot be at rest if I’ve not settled this issue. I don’t want this to affect my concentration,” Phillip whined.
“Being sad won’t solve anything, let’s go and pray. Let’s report this issue to the One who started it all,” Jessica suggested.
The trio moved out of the pavilion to the field close to the administrative block and started to pray.

After the prayers, the girls told Phillip to send a text message to his father,” the Holy Spirit will lead you on what to type and give you the right words, Phillip.” They encouraged him and left for the pavilion to read and discuss further.

Phillip got to his hostel and sat on the bed. He picked up his phone and started typing a text. In the text, he explained that the idea to be a lawyer was not his but God’s. He assured his father that he will be fine and promised never to let him down. He pleaded with his father to allow him obey God as obeying God is the only way to true satisfaction and fulfilment. When he was done typing, he sent the text and anxiously awaited the response.
The next day, Phillip woke up and rushed to have his bath as he had slept off late last night due to intense study of his new courses – Government and Literature.
“Being an art student is quite fun”, he thought as he dressed up for a meeting with his new classmates who had earlier promised to explain some things to him.
“If dad would just give his consent too, everything will be perfect,” he mused.
Jessica was also occupied with her new course combination, she was enjoying her courses and learning more by the day.
“There is joy in doing God’s will”, she thought as she made notes. Kate helped her copy Government notes from her new classmates while she copied others.

When the trio met later that day to discuss how they spent their day, Jessica spoke almost immediately. “I am so tired guys. I just finished copying my notes. I wouldn’t have been able to finish if Kate had not helped me out with my Government note. Thank God for everything.”
“Okay”, Kate began. “Phillip, how about you?”
“Well, you know the art students haven’t done much. Although, the Government note is much. Jessica, be thankful Kate helped you. I did mine all night.” Phillip replied and yawned.
“All that remains is my father’s approval. I am so unsettled without it,” he added softly.
“Just have faith, it will work out soon”, they assured.
Immediately, his phone beeped. Phillip picked up his phone and smiled, “Speaking of faith...”
“Phillip, what happened?” Jessica asked. “You look so happy.”
“My father just approved!" Phillip shouted in jubilation.
“Wha….wow!” the girls jumped and rejoiced.
Phillip immediately picked up his bags as he explained, “I need to go to the man helping out with the registration. I don’t want to waste time any more.”
Jessica and Kate jubilated for a while and then their discussion moved to other issues.

...the path is the way...