I'm about to do something I never expected do..... list blog. (*gasp*)
Many of you seem to be incredibly fond (and mildly addicted) to them.
I confess (*sigh*) that I really am not.
However, it seemed like the best fit for this post.
By now most graduation ceremonies and celebrations are now in the history books for the year... the excitement and checklists lists have settled down, silly square hats worn and thrown, cards are opened, hugs, flowers and congratulations have been exchanged among the loved ones.... plans both of the known and unknown shared about future hopes and dreams.
And now sit many graduates are with temporarily heavier wallets and likely daily contemplations of what to do with the short amount of time left to "live it up" before leaving for school, or beginning military training..... or before all other friends all leave town if you are staying local.
This is the first time in a decade that I haven't been surrounded by conversations with young adults entering into, exiting out of, or in the middle of this defining season of life. I love and miss those talks. Although we can't speak face to face, I extend my congratulations to you, and hope this little list blog may encourage you find or follow Christ along your journey.
20 Things I wish I would have known when I graduated:
You are in the most defining season of your life. So many decisions are made in early adulthood that will forever affect your life. Beyond just choosing a career or major. It is the season where most people meet their future spouse, where many lifelong habits or addictions are often formed, and for many their faith becomes either real, found, or abandoned.
Your choices will now have lifelong consequences now. Sex, alcohol, and drugs..... they have the power to create, change, or end life. Before now, you most likely had to seek this out in secret... now, they will be seeking you out regularly in public. The consequences of your choices in these areas
Sin affects those around you. In a world consumed with self, do not forget that your wrong choices never only affect you.
Don't dread the drudgery, expect it. No one lands their ideal career job right off the bat, expect to start somewhere less than your perfect ideal. God is far more interested in building your character through the mundane daily things that you'll be tempted to otherwise put off. Do them.
Work hard. Toward your grades, in your jobs, in boot camp, wherever you end up. The Lord says that when we are faithful with a little He gives us more. Learn to be faithful with a little.
Debate is good, but attack is bad. God intended us to learn from one another, be open to that-- but don't be so set on being right that you would attack the character of another person.
Choose a major or a job. Do it. Sure it's hard to, but find something to aspire to. It's okay that you are not 100% sure of it, select something anyway..... I have adults every day on my newsfeed that are still taking quizzes to tell them all about who they are and what they should be. It is a lot to be confident in as a young adult. That's okay, but pick something..... it's time.
Quit thinking God is only on one path, and you may miss it. He is the God that holds the whole universe in order.... I'm quite certain He frequents both Yale and Harvard. = ) Be far more concerned that on one path He there is wanting to pour out His favor and blessing (as a result of your choices and obedience), and that He is on the other path as well--arms wide open and willing to redeem any mess you've gotten into. He isn't on one path and not the other. It only matters that you seek Him on whichever path your on.
Don't be afraid of the hard times. You will face trials of many kinds, some will be your fault and some won't. All are intended to grow you in character and maturity. Quit hoping for a fair world. It never has been, and never will be. Learn to make the best of the hard times, they will come.
God is not an instant God. We live in an instant world, we desire results immediately... God is not that way. Don't feel like He's less present, less caring, or less capable because you aren't seeing Him work in your timeframe.
Find a church. Believer or not, find a church to connect with... and invite someone to go with you. For me as an unbeliever then, this was only a few times a year for a college student meal. I'm glad I went. Volunteer. Drink free coffee. Ponder God. Awaken your faith as your own. Go.
Things will never be the same. It's true.... but don't fear it. I've never met an adult who ever wished they were back in the drama of high school.
Call your parents. More often than you think you should. Do it. Keep saying I love you. You are almost to the point in life where you'll realize that they were right about far more than you ever imagined.
Stop the serial dating. Most of you did this through high school. Bouncing from one relationship to the next. Stop it. Be single for a while. Be picky about who you want to date. Girls, let him chase you for a while.... there is a good chance he may be your future spouse or in the way of your future spouse.... either way, you won't regret him learning how to pursue you. Guys-quit the hookups, they mess with the rest of your life.
Seize opportunities to volunteer. As often as they come. Change your little part of this big world.
Focus on one thing at a time. Give each experience your full attention.
Put your phone down and talk to people. Your likely addicted to online browsing or texting to pass time. Be intentional about putting the screens away. Talk to someone around you instead, look into their eyes. As you do and your day will be far better. Laugh. Often. Especially during finals.
And lastly, but most importantly my top three....Run TO God with your pain, not AWAY from Him. Heartache, trial, failure, defeat, depression, loneliness, regret...... turn to Him in all of it. He already knows about it anyway--let him be your comfort.
Ask someone you respect to be your mentor. Seek them out. Tell them you'd like to trust their confidence and lean on their advice from time to time. Stay in touch with them.
Turn around. It doesn't matter how far you've turned away, when you decide to turn around, Jesus meets you right there. But only you can choose to turn yourself around. Do it, don't wait.
Well there you have it. Many of you already know the love I hold in my heart for college students and young adults. It is a privilege to be able to speak into your lives. Embrace the season that you are in. It is special. You are about to learn more about yourself than you ever cared to know. You are not a child anymore..... own your faults, work on your weaknesses, and cultivate your strengths. Find Jesus. Follow Him, and the rest will fall into place.
Side note....
Parents, know I am praying for you. Parenting adult children is not easy, but stay engaged. Open your hands, but trust your gut. Recently Stormie Omartin has been posting some great encouragement on her FB page from her book The Power of Praying for Adult Children. Looks to be a great resource. As I see her posts, I pray for you as parents. May be worth "liking" her on FB.
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