Reflections on Graduation, part 2

Location: Old Town - Chicago, IL

*Continuing from this post*

I ran into two fellow graduates from my alma mater at Starbucks today. Hearing a little bit about their post graduation life has helped me feel a little less abnormal about my lack of solid direction in life. Some things we have in common:

1. Nobody has a full time job and none of our jobs are in our respective fields of study

2. Every one of us is feeling a bit out of sorts during this time of transition

3. Job changes are imminent

4. Living situations are not ideal

5. We're all seeking God's will and learning this usually means not knowing what's ahead

6. Despite all of this life is much less stressful than it was in college

While I don't have a definite plan about the coming months/year I'm beginning to feel God wants me to be in this place. 

A place where I'm not grasping for control. 

A place where I'm ready to go wherever God wants.

A place where I'm constantly listening, hoping to hear the Holy Spirit's voice guiding me. 

God is sovereign...I truly believe it. However, it hasn't been until recently that I've started to live it. I'm surrendering my thoughts, desires and hopes. I lay them at the feet of my Savior, knowing He will take care of me. 

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."(Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)

Reflections on Graduation, part 1

Location: Roscoe Village, Chicago, IL

I'm a college graduate.

It sounds weird even in my head.

I don't feel old enough to be a college graduate. I don't feel smart enough to be a college graduate. I definitely don't feel adult enough to be a college graduate.

Regardless of how I feel, I am a college graduate. I've walked across the stage, my final grades have been submitted and all I'm waiting for is my official diploma.

I put in four years studying, going to class, praying and preparing for life after graduation. Now I'm here and I'm not completely sure what I'm supposed to do. Plans have constantly been changing. Jobs and apartments not panning out. Postponing graduate school. Applying for orientation in Texas. Life's been crazy. Now things are beginning to settle down and I'm trying to sort out my feelings about post-graduation life.

What I've come up with so far:
-Seek God's will...His timing is perfect. Things may not be working out according to my plans but God's plans are better.

-Don't be afraid to ask for help. We are the body of Christ for a reason. I didn't realize how many people at my church were willing to help out a struggling college student until I asked.

-Set boundaries and take care of yourself. In my heart of hearts I'm a yes man. I struggle saying no and I want to fill every need around me. However, I've found I function better with 8 hours of sleep, working out in the morning and eating right.

-BE PATIENT. Waiting is a great character builder. It will test all your convictions about relying on the Lord and trusting in His Sovereignty. It's incredibly difficult for people like me who want to pretend to have control but God is working on that part of me.

-Maintain supportive relationships. If it wasn't for my friends supporting me and trusting me to support them I'm not sure where I would be. Never be too busy for your relationships.

-Finally, trust God. This points seems redundant but it's important enough that it bears repeating. God has got it all under control whether I can see it or not. Learning to actually believe that has been a invaluable lesson.

For those of you who haven't graduated yet, what do you look forward to most post-graduation?

For those of you who have already graduated, what kinds of lessons did you learn while you were in transition to "real life"?

The kitchen in the house where I work...I'm a bit envious :)