So, what are you doing after graduation?
This question, though simple and unassuming in appearance, is the kryptonite of all stable-minded college seniors. These seven little words have the power to bring down even the mightiest of chill personalities and No-Sweat Nancys. Ultimately, this question reminds us of the one inevitable, unavoidable truth that constantly haunts our days and nights: we have no idea what we’re doing.
That’s okay! I’m sure you’ll figure it out.
But coming from the university, a world dependent on accuracy and reliability, we don’t want to just figure it out. We want certainty, and we want it now. That may seem a little selfish and demanding, but I feel confident speaking for all seniors when I say that we are far more interested in the happily-ever-after than the life-is-a-journey part of the book. Unfortunately, though, this is just the first in a long series of looped dialogue.
But do you have a job lined up?
Not exactly, no. I mean, I’ve got a few prospects, but nothing too serious yet.
What’s your back-up plan?
I was kind of just hoping to succeed, actually.
Where do you plan to move?
Wait, what’s wrong with right here?
Do you and so-and-so plan to get married?
Well, see, we’ve only been dating for a year…
What about kids?
Um…
Where exactly do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully out of this conversation.
Wait, why are you so sweaty?
Needless to say, it gets overwhelming. Fast. Being a senior is something like standing on a large cliff, knowing that in exactly four months you will be jumping right off into who knows what. Ready or not. Sure, it’s thrilling and all, but aren’t the most exciting things always the scariest too? The more professors, relatives and friends ask about our plans for an unplanned future, the more insecure and self-doubting we become. And the pressure is all self-inflicted.
How do you get through all the stress?
For Christmas, my mom bought me a copy of a day-by-day devotional. Each day is short, concise and presented to be from God’s perspective. Two days before the start of my final college semester, I ran across a passage that, in short, answers every question listed above. I have no doubt that the timing of this piece was intentional, and as you can guess, I was totally blown away by what the author attempted to imagine Christ saying:
“I (Jesus) know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it. You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of your journey. You’d feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead. However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today: Spend quality time with Me.”
Life is a series of destinations, my pastor likes to say. We are always heading from Point A to Point B until we reach our goals, but the biggest temptation is to jump from Point A to Point E. Of course, it’s impossible to complete a journey without passing every point on the way, and it’s impossible to fast forward to the future without stopping at every little point of confusion and uncertainty.
But aren’t you afraid?
Not really. Unlike hundreds of students around me, I’m not really afraid of May anymore. God helped me choose the right college, the right major and the right church: why doubt him now? Although I will always try to map the uncharted tomorrow, I’m trusting in God – not my degree, job skills, resume boosters or connections. I may have no idea what I’m doing after graduation, but I’m slowly learning what a perfectly fine answer that is.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11