What's Next?

The end of the year is in sight and whether you are finishing only one of several years of education or you are coming to the end of a program, that question is real:  What's next? 

From the memory of a middle-aged priest, I can say that the landscape has changed.  In my days in university people were often preparing for a clear career with strong possibilities of permanent and stable employment.  In a world now where the basis of national economies are shifting quickly I don't think such job security is nearly so obvious. 

Maybe landing fully into the adult world is like the race of the tortoise and the hare.  The tortoise wins the race.  In other words, the development of healthy independence may happen the best in clear sensible steps. 

One doesn't want to be an eternal student.  On the other hand, one doesn't want to be locked in when uncertainty really still reigns.  There are definite ways to approach discerning what is God's will for us.  St. Ignatius of Loyola is very explicit about it.  I think it is also true that it is important to dialogue a bit between theory and practice.  In other words, it is good to get your hands dirty.  Summer jobs, even those that seem totally unrelated to one's education can have great benefits.  They expose us to work.  Despite the work involved in getting an education, the work involved in a job is much more directly linked to responsibility to others.  It could be customers, fellow employees or even the safety of members of the public.  Good reality therapy! 

You may even find that at the end of your formal education you need to do some full-time employment while looking for a more ideal job.  A bit of creativity might build a bridge.  If one is willing, a little education or apprenticeship for a more in demand sort of job if combined with other education already acquired could be advantageous. 

Reality will arrive and it should not be unduly delayed and it is really a good thing.  The first step in the spiritual life is to know oneself; only then can you really ask the question where is God leading me?  It is important to be at home with the choices we make but it is also important to make decisions and follow through in a committed way.  Only then, can you really judge whether you are moving in the right direction. 

A relief in the Garden of Gethsamane

So be at peace.  One step at a time.  Finish the year well. Make the decisions you need to and follow through.  There is no warranty program in life.  Carpe diem.  Take the day! 

Our Lord came to give us life and to give it to the full.  In youth we are discovering how the gifts human and spiritual that we have received are to be applied to live our lives fully, to find and express our vocation.  As the end of the semester approaches and the conclusion of Lent may you be blessed.