Lessons from the Unknown

May 2012, I graduated from Boston University with a degree in History with a focus in European culture surrounding the two World Wars. I know what you're thinking... Oh, so you want to teach? Actually, the truth is that after four years of taking classes, I didn't really know what direction I wanted to go in. It has now been nine months since I walked across a tiny stage with my fellow history graduates and accepted my diploma. It has been nine months since I was thrust into what people refer to as "the real world". And you know what? I still don't know what I want to do. What I did not realize for about six months is that not knowing is totally and completely okay. Is it unnerving? Yes. Is it normal? Absolutely. In actuality, being in the unknown has pushed me to grow more than ever before. I had to accept that this stage is a necessary chapter in my life. 

1. WORK HARD. Whatever you're doing - whether it is serving coffee, managing a huge company, or answering phones - find pride in working hard. [Colossians 3:23 says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..."]. Honestly, I do not love my job. However, I strive to work hard. It creates a sense of meaning that might not have been there before. This doesn't mean that I leave my job every day whistling and jumping for joy. Most days, I'm exhausted. But I know that I have done my best.

2. HOLD ON TO THOSE WHO LOVE YOU. I don't know about anyone else, but when I'm overwhelmed and confused or feel left out in the slightest, my first reaction is to shut down. But after a couple months of doing that and realizing that it was hurting everyone [including me], I decided to open up. When you're in the unknown, cling to your loved ones with all your strength. Tell them you're scared and anxious and annoyed. Whether they have the right words to say or just a hug to give, you need them. Humble yourself! That was mostly for me :)

3. FIND A HOBBY. When you're working 40 hours a week and pretty busy the other hours too, find at least one thing that is just for you. I have taken up baking and crocheting. Two things I immensely enjoy. Two things that do not require that much brainpower. Two things that I can see pretty immediate results for. Two things that make me happy. Find one hobby... or two, three. It doesn't matter. Just find something that will make you happy.

4. BE JOYFUL ALWAYS. This one was my biggest lesson. I was miserable for a solid couple months - going through the motions and stuck in my own self-pity. Believe me, self-pity gets old real quick. But with lots of prayer, lots of advice, and lots of tears, I slowly learned that joy is a decision. It is a choice whether to find joy in my life or not. My friend Hannah encouraged me to find joy in small things, to really search for things to look forward to. And you know what? It worked. Now, I'm still not joyful always. But I'm striving to be, just like 1 Thessalonians 5:16 calls me to be. 

5. Finally, PRAY. Sounds basic. But believe me, it takes continuous prayer to conquer the unknown. Pray when you're waking up. Pray when you're tempted to join in with the gossip at work. Pray when someone is disrespectful to you. Pray when you have a great day. Pray when you're going to sleep. Even when you don't think you can, have someone pray with you. I cannot tell you the amount of times I've called others crying and had them pray on the phone for me. Allow God to work when you're at your weakest. As I've heard other say - let go and let God.

These are some of the things that got me through the first nine months. And I'm absolute positive that God isn't done working on my heart. But for now, I will continue to work hard, hold on to my loved one, enjoy my hobbies, find joy in my life, and pray that God leads me through it all.

x,

CB