Success
A few months ago, I went to my brother-in-law’s graduation from Messiah College, which is where I graduated from a little over a year ago. This was the first time I’ve been back there since my graduation, so of course I had a lot of memories flooding back to me.
But to be honest, what struck me most was the feelings of shame I experienced. Naturally, former professors and classmates are interested in what I’ve been up to, whether or not I went back to grad school, where I’ve been working, etc. Well, I didn’t go to grad school. I didn’t get a full time job. I’ve been babysitting part-time, and working part-time. The more I told people this, the more insecure I felt. Grad school or a full time job are the “right” options for college graduates. So that must mean that I’m not successful.
Ok, hold up. Not successful? By whose standards?
When I graduated, my goal was to make a difference in kids’ lives. Okay... check. At least, I like to think I’m making a difference in kids’ lives. That’s what my job is. That’s what I do when I babysit. So... I guess that makes me successful! There we go, end of story, what a nice blog post. I have now justified my position in life to all my friends and family who probably don’t really care that I’m “not successful.”
I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m learning something about success. No, I don’t have another degree. No, I haven’t been published. No, I don’t have a 9-5 job. And no, I am not living the American dream. However, I AM doing something that I enjoy {for the most part}. I am doing something that matters to me, and matters to others. But the most important thing that truly defines my “success” is not whether I enjoy what I’m doing. It’s most important that no matter what job I am doing, I do it to God’s glory. If my words, attitude, and actions show Christ’s love to others no matter what I’m doing, then I don’t need a master’s degree or 9-5 job. THAT is truly successful.
So here’s my point. Who really cares if you take a different route from everyone else? Who cares if you don’t choose the “right” option for your field? Do what matters, and make a difference. And don’t compare yourself to others {note to self}.
But to be honest, what struck me most was the feelings of shame I experienced. Naturally, former professors and classmates are interested in what I’ve been up to, whether or not I went back to grad school, where I’ve been working, etc. Well, I didn’t go to grad school. I didn’t get a full time job. I’ve been babysitting part-time, and working part-time. The more I told people this, the more insecure I felt. Grad school or a full time job are the “right” options for college graduates. So that must mean that I’m not successful.
Ok, hold up. Not successful? By whose standards?
When I graduated, my goal was to make a difference in kids’ lives. Okay... check. At least, I like to think I’m making a difference in kids’ lives. That’s what my job is. That’s what I do when I babysit. So... I guess that makes me successful! There we go, end of story, what a nice blog post. I have now justified my position in life to all my friends and family who probably don’t really care that I’m “not successful.”
I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m learning something about success. No, I don’t have another degree. No, I haven’t been published. No, I don’t have a 9-5 job. And no, I am not living the American dream. However, I AM doing something that I enjoy {for the most part}. I am doing something that matters to me, and matters to others. But the most important thing that truly defines my “success” is not whether I enjoy what I’m doing. It’s most important that no matter what job I am doing, I do it to God’s glory. If my words, attitude, and actions show Christ’s love to others no matter what I’m doing, then I don’t need a master’s degree or 9-5 job. THAT is truly successful.
So here’s my point. Who really cares if you take a different route from everyone else? Who cares if you don’t choose the “right” option for your field? Do what matters, and make a difference. And don’t compare yourself to others {note to self}.
I really needed to read this. I tend to shame myself for not getting farther in life (ha!) in this year since graduating. But for some reason, this is where God has me right now and that's what is most important. It's so difficult to focus on the positive, but blessings are hidden in the every-day-life... not just the milestones.
ReplyDelete