As a kid when adults asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would tell them I wanted to be an electrical engineer. I would loosely let this answer fly off of my tongue not because I was passionate about math and science but because my big sister was a successful engineer and all I knew was that I wanted to be like her!
As I grew older and math and science got harder, I knew I needed to choose a different career. With the help of a few mentors at church, I discovered my passion for writing and went from wanting to be an electrical engineer to wanting to be a journalist. This profession seemed like the perfect fit for me so after graduating high school, I went to college to study Print Journalism.
Things were going well the first two years of college, but about halfway through I decided I didn’t want to be a journalist anymore. It wasn’t that I had lost my passion for writing, I just didn’t want to write the stories I was being told to tell.
After taking a visual communications course junior year, my interest in graphic design was sparked. I finished my studies, earning my Bachelors in Journalism and Communication but to ignite my newfound interest, I decided to continue my education by going to graduate school and studying Communications Design.
I’m sure my parents and sister, who helped put me through school were thrilled!
Seven years and tons of student loan debt later, I finally settled on what I wanted to be “when I grew up.” A graphic designer.
I was blessed with the opportunity to work for a wonderful company that gave me a lot of creative freedom and afforded me many opportunities to grow as a young professional but there was still something missing.
I believed the work I was doing was making an impact but I didn’t feel like I was impacting the Kingdom.
“Let every detail in your lives – words, actions, whatever – be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” Colossians 3:17 (The Message)
There must be more.
After resigning from my job last year, I thought that that would be my last time working as a designer until I returned to the States. But while serving in Cambodia, I worked with our ministry host to write and redesign their website. It was so fulfilling to use my skills in this way. I made myself available to God and He’s been using all of me!
The best part – it’s all for His Kingdom.
When I return to the States in November, I intend to work but it won’t be in hope of climbing the corporate ladder. It will be doing my Heavenly Father’s business. Instead of reporting hard news, I’ll continue spreading the Good News through whatever platform I have – writing, graphic design, even entrepreneurship!
It’s taken me 30 years to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. And now the answer is simple.
I want to be a woman who brings glory and honor to God using all of the talents He’s given me.
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16 (NIV)
I challenge you.
The next time you are talking with a young person and you feel the urge to ask what they want to be when they grow up, first ask if they know who they are in Christ. Then assure them that as long as they understand the “who” – the “what” can be anything.
And no matter what your age, the same is true for you …
