Countless college students meet each other every fall by saying, “What’s your major?” and “Where are you from?” Sometimes those questions are easy to answer, and sometimes they’re not so easy, especially when you’re not sure what you’re supposed to be doing with your life.
Even if you’re not a college student, does that line of questioning come easily for you? “Where are you from? What do you do?” It seems that throughout life, others measure us by what we do. I’m a college student, intern, stay-at-home mom, store clerk, business professional doesn’t always just roll off the tongue. Sometimes, when posed with this question at various times in my life, I’ve felt defensive when I’ve introduced myself. I’ve felt the need to tack on an explanation about myself. Because of my own insecurities, I have sometimes felt unsure if my answer is good enough, worthy of meeting the expectations of others. “I’m just a…” has come out of my mouth more than once.
Looking back today, I remember times I’ve felt secure in my answer, too. Those times have usually come when I’m at a good place in my faith-walk. The truth is that what I do isn’t always who I am. Sometimes I fulfill roles that don’t really have a lot to do with the rest of my life – the who I am part.
And on the days when I don’t see the whole picture and I question my place in life, I step forward in faith that God’s got a good plan for my life. I love reading verses from the Bible that remind me of God’s promises for my life. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” And I love seeing what others have said along their own journeys of faith.
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
The music group, Unspoken, has a wonderful song out called “Lift My Life Up.” It has been an encouragement for me too. You brought me this far, so why would I question you now? You have provided, so why would I start to doubt? I’ve never been stranded, abandoned, or left here to fight alone. So I’m giving you control. I lift my life, lift my life up. I give it all in surrender. I lift my heart, lift my heart up. You can have it forever. All my dreams, all my plans, Lord, I leave them in your hands. I lift my life, lift my life up. Have your way in me.
Take heart, my friend. Step out in faith and ask God to help you as you walk your journey. Deuteronomy 31:8 says that if you do, he will go before you to make the way, and he will also walk beside you every step. You don’t have to worry or be afraid, even if your major is Undecided or if your job description comes out sounding more like an apology. God’s got your back, and you can take that staircase in full confidence, knowing that he will be with you, every step of the way.
Tabby, this is so very good! I’ve struggled with this off and on throughout my life. I do not have that certificate on the wall to certify my knowledge in a special area. What I do have is a white board that I wrote the words several years ago that say, “who you are is more important than what you do.” I see it as I walk into my kitchen. I haven’t erased the words, because it is such a great reminder of what’s important. Thank you for confirming it again.