Alan surprised me one Sunday morning by popping into our worship service unannounced; he had driven close to two hours to attend.

As one of the youngest members of the youth group in our previous church, it seemed like Alan had grown up with our family, so after the service I asked him to come home for lunch.

"That'd be great," he said. "But could you take a quick ride with me first?" We walked out to the parking lot, got into his sleek sports car, and took off.

"I've been going through a confusing time lately," he admitted. "I'm doing well in the company where I work. If I stay a few more years, I could work my way into an executive position. I've met a wonderful girl. Everything is going great."

He paused and gripped the wheel tighter. "But, I feel as though I'd like to go a different direction. I've been interested in counseling and psychology ever since you were at our church. And, well, I think I'd like to become a psychologist. When I talk about it with my fianc‚, I think I've settled ...