I think there is a stigma towards the word: gap-year. It is deemed as a waste of time and money, being lazy or maybe an excuse to “find yourself” (my AoF people know HAHA). Truth is, it’s okay if this is how you see it, a lot of people do, but I sure don’t.
Yes, I really love to travel. And yeah, I love a good adventure. And yup I have absolutely NO IDEA what college I want to attend or what I want to major in… but the only reason I said yes to this crazy thing is because of Jesus’ very last, grand appearance in the gospel called the Great Commission.
After Jesus had risen from the cross and returned to earth He gave his disciples a mission:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20).
That is the Great Commission given to all Christians, SO who am I to ignore Jesus’ instructions? I’m not special or great, but He sure is. I am willing, and I am able, and I’m going on the WRGY for Jesus to use me- to speak and act THROUGH me. I believe in the present power of the Holy Spirit. I believe the same power that awakened the dead, healed the sick, and fed the hungry exists today, and I intend to be a part of it.
My pastor always says, “Heaven and hell are real, and where the people in our lives will spend eternity rests in our hands.” That shocked me the first time I heard it. I thought, “That is not my job” and “I don’t want that burden.” Turns out it is my job and it will now always be my burden. We are Jesus’ only plan to share the good news. There’s no plan B, no back up.
So yes, I am taking a gap year, and despite the stigma, to me it is not a waste of time, money, and I am not lazy. But most importantly, I am taking a gap year because I am dang sure of who I am- a daughter of the King who is willing and able to let God use me for whatever He created me for. I think that’s the very least I can do.
– Julia
