A little over a year ago I was about to graduate from college. This had me in a existential frenzy. After my high school graduation everyone told me, "Don't worry, you have 4 whole years to decide what you want to do with your life." Then college ended and I didn't have a clue what I was going to do with my life. Surprise.
Around that time during one of my many trips wandering around Barnes and Noble, I came across a book called Delaying the Real World on one of those "For Grads" gift tables. The title intrigued me because "delaying the real world" was exactly what I had figured out for my future. I bought the book (which for me is unique, I'm more of a 'read the interesting parts in the store' kind of person) and was overwhelmed with the amount of ideas it presented. Teach English overseas. Cash in your life savings and travel the world. Get a job on a cruise ship. Join the Peace Corps. All of these ideas appealed to me. I wasn't sure what kind of job I wanted or if I could even get one at this point. This seemed like the perfect solution. I had nothing to lose, so why not? Let's avoid adulthood as long as possible.
But that's not what happened. Towards the end of my post-grad summer I was offered a job. It was nothing short of a miracle, due to the state of the economy and the fact that I was fresh out of college with very little work experience. Instead of delaying the real world, I was thrown into it. I now had bills, rent, and insurance. Things like personal days, payroll, commuting, trafic became very real to me. I developed a routine and settled into the job. But something was missing. I was in the "real world" but nothing about it seemed real to me. I don't say this to discredit the work I was doing because I do believe I was reaching people through that job. It just wasn't where I needed to be. I knew that, and so did God.
I have a feeling that was one reason He had me apply for the WR. He knew I wasn't content sitting by, wishing I could do something. I knew it too, as much as I tried to ignore it. I listened to the part of my brain that was said, "You're being responsible, there is nothing wrong with that." And that's true. There is nothing wrong with getting a job and being a responsible adult, that can be your call in life. I believe everyone can do amazing things in their everyday lives, I've seen it happen. For me, I needed to get up and move my feet. I'm ready to leave this "real" world and join the REAL world, the one that needs so much care, love, and hope.
Maybe I did things a little unconventionally but that's my style. This guy named Jesus sort of did things that way, and it worked out for him. I willing to follow his lead.
Sidenote: I like having dessert before my dinner too.
