I am, admittedly, a Star Wars fan and I was reminded of a scene in Episode II when Obi Wan consulted with Yoda when in search for a missing planet - at least it wasn't in the Jedi archives. As Yoda and Obi Wan are observing an interactive galactic display, they recognize an "empty" area where everything around it was revolving...they realized this as the center of gravity. Although they couldn't see it, if Obi Wan went to the center of gravity, he would find his missing planet - as it was holding everything together.
I was reminded of this during a conversation with a friend and his friend - a police officer with duties at one of our local high schools. While talking, we began discussing some of the students he has had to deal with and their parents. In essence, we somewhat concluded that each student is only as strong as his/her "center of gravity" (my words). In your time of life right now, you are experiencing a testing of the boundaries and exploring what is becoming a wider and bigger world (illustrated by the left circle above). It is natural to be experiencing this as you mature, grow, and broaden your experiences. Remember though - it is your center of gravity which brings stability to your life as your world widens, responsibilities accumulate, and experiences broaden.
What is this center of gravity? It has to do with relationships - your relationships with God and with your parents (and in that order of importance). These two relationships are what keep your grounded, secure, and stable - don't abandon them, keep them right and keep the lines of communication open. Don't be fooled into thinking that your relationships with friends are at your center - don't take me wrong - they're important, but not central. One day, believe it or not, your friends with change and you will change friends - what will always be there are your parents and your God!
The second circle illustrates what I just said. As you explore your broadening world (doing so, I trust in responsible and righteous ways) realize that as you get further away from your center the more unstable, insecure, and unprotected you become - the easier it gets to fly off, out of control; producing results and consequences that are painful and often times leaving long-term scars. I guess what I am saying...you can and should always gravitate to your center - God and your parents...the ones that love you the most. As I said before - don't abandon them, and they won't abandon you!
This also is a challenge to our parents - realize what is happening in your teen's life and the role you play...don't abandon your role. God will stay true to his...let's do the same with ours!
