I was talking with some Kindergartners recently, and I asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up. The answers were fabulous:
“Superhero!”
“Ninja!”
“T Rex!”
I winked and smiled. That was adorable. As a high school teacher, those are answers I don’t hear. But, to be honest, sometimes I’d rather hear those answers. I like those better than, “Doctor – because my parents said that’s what I should to do.” Or “Engineer – because they make a lot of money.” Or “I don’t know – I’m not good at anything.” Not that there is anything wrong with being a doctor or an engineer or even unsure. But it’s what these decisions are based on that worries me.
Let’s go back to the Kindergartners: When asked about their future dreams, they were based on what sounds awesome to them. Fast forward twelve years, and how many teens are still doing that? When did “awesome” get relegated to the backseat when making a career choice?
Friends, most of you will have to work for a living. I had the privilege of staying home with my kids until they started school (something I HIGHLY recommend!), but that still leaves me with 30+ years to work outside the home. And most of us work a whole lot more than just 40 hours/week. So, if we are working 40+ hours a week for decades of our lives, shouldn’t we be doing something we think is awesome?
When God tells us He has a plan for our lives, that plan isn’t just “extracurricular”. It isn’t, “I want you to go on missions trips/play in the worship band/help with the children’s ministry” (all great things). His plan is all-inclusive. 24/7/365: Home and church and work and everything else.
God’s plan for your life includes your career.
So have you asked HIM what He wants you to do? And, once you ask, have you listened?
Here are some questions that may help as you consider what career God wants you to pursue:
- What do you love? I’m not just talking subjects in school. I mean, in general, what do you love? When you have free time, what do you do? Hang out with friends? Read books? Bake cookies? Play sports? God uses what we love to guide us to what He wants us to do. Because He is good! So consider those areas that you are passionate about. Maybe God wants to take that love for others and use you as a counselor or social worker. Maybe he’s going to take that book love and use you as a writer or editor. Or your love for sports may translate into a coach or sports manager. There are so many possibilities, all using your particular gifts.
- What do you hate? There are some careers you can check off the list because you just don’t like them. My daughter briefly considered nursing…until she realized she really hates science. My son doesn’t enjoy sitting still, so he can be pretty confident that a desk job is not in his future. Some of you may really, truly hate school. So maybe a trade is better – plumber, electrician, beautician…
- What do others praise you for? What do you get recognition for? Maybe you are a leader and get picked for team captain or student council. Maybe you are great at behind-the-scenes stuff – setting up or tearing down, making sure everyone has everything they need. Maybe you’re great at decorating or planning. Listen for those words of encouragement you get, the “thank you’s”. These are things you do so naturally that you don’t even think about it. It’s part of who you are! And that is another clue for your future.
- What do others think? Your parents may want you to be a doctor, but most of us, deep down, just want our kids to be happy. If being a doctor sounds awful, we don’t want you to pursue that. Your parents know you better than you think, though, so ask them these questions. They can look back over your life and point out things like, “You have always loved kids.” Or “Ever since you were small, you’ve wanted to take things apart and put them together again.” Examine those clues as you consider what God wants.
- Pray. This isn’t last because it’s least important but because it’s the foundation that everything else is built on. James tells us that if we ask for wisdom, God will give it to us. So ask. And wait. If you haven’t already figured this out, God doesn’t always answer our prayers immediately. Until I was 16, I was convinced I was going to be an actress. Then, at 16, God made it clear that wasn’t what He wanted for me. But it was another FOUR YEARS before I knew for sure what it was He wanted me to do (teach). And even then, I didn’t actually start teaching until I was 32. Writing came even later. So if you’re not sure, you’re not alone! There’s plenty you know for sure you should be doing: loving others, obeying your parents, sharing the gospel, doing everything (even schoolwork!) to the best of your ability. Be obedient in the “small” things. The bigger things will come. Maybe not in your time or in the way you expected. But GOD IS GOOD. His plan is perfect. Rest in that.
And while you’re waiting, take a lesson from those Kindergartners and Be Awesome 😀
