I recently graduated from college with a degree in Mathematics to teach high school. I was so excited to just be done with school for a bit. However, whenever anyone asked me the question, “How does it feel to be finished?” my response was not “great” or “relieved.” It was “well, now I have to find a job” or “now I’ve got to get started on my Master’s.”
So, I had just achieved this accomplishment, and instead of being thankful or sitting in that moment of joy, I was already on to the next thing. This is how we all live life, though. We are never thankful for what we have or rest in the blessings of the moment; we always have our eyes focused on the next bigger, better, brighter thing. When realizing this, I paused because this is not the life God called us to live. It reminded me of one of the parables Jesus shared while He walked on this earth.
The prodigal son had his eyes focused on a better life that would be more fun than working for his father, so he took his inheritance and went and lived his dream…. Only to find out that this “dream life” took more from him than he had to give. He realized that he was better off staying at his Father’s house.
Now, I don’t think this means that we are not supposed to further our lives or be complacent. There is a difference between complacency and contentment. So, instead of constantly thinking, “what can I do next to better myself?” I think we are called to be thankful for how far the Lord has brought us this far and think, “What is the Lord’s plan for me now?”. Because in Jeremiah, we read,
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
When Jesus walked on this earth, He celebrated often. He was at many festivals, dinners, and parties, celebrating with His loved ones. Also, in Ecclesiastes, we read that “there is a time for everything under the sun.” I think this is permission for us to take some time to celebrate when a goal is achieved. But the difference between contentment and complacency is being grateful for where we are and celebrating that the Lord has gotten us there, and praying for His will to be revealed about what is next. All the while harnessing our pride to strive to do what we think is best for us over what the Lord has planned for our life.
I pray that this is something I will continue to remember throughout my life. I hope you will pray the following prayer along with me:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for bringing me to the place I am at in life. I know I could not have done it without you. Thank you for coming alongside me and guiding me while I worked towards and achieved this goal. I pray that you will reveal to me your will for my life and what my next step should be. Thank you for being an all-knowing and all-powerful God who cares for my well-being and future. Amen.
Kristie Brothers
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#kristiebrothersblogs