Two years ago today, I handed in my dissertation. I took the obligatory photos in front of the university clock tower, handed it in and retreated to the sofa with friends feeling slightly empty and lost. Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled to have handed it in. But the reality of soon entering the “real world” loomed large. While many of my friends had secured jobs that they were due to start as soon as term ended, I was firmly in the “I’m not sure what’s next” camp. And I was absolutely terrified (trust me—growing up I was the kind of kid who made an itinerary for every day of the family holiday. Planning is my jam).
Perhaps you’re there right now. Here are three things I wish someone had told me two years ago.
A personal journey through the challenges of adulting, revealing the difference Jesus makes
You might not know what the next few months hold, but God does. In Psalm 139, David sees the looming darkness and besetting threats, but can still praise God because “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (v16). You can trust every single unknown to your Father who knows what tomorrow holds. Rest in his grace today and trust his plan for tomorrow, knowing that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8 v 28).
Decision paralysis is common among university leavers. Should I move to that city? Take that internship? Live with that friend? Would it make more sense to move back in with my parents? What if I stay in my university city but everyone else moves? Am I making the right decision?
In her book, Is This It, Rachel Jones addresses this issue by pointing our eyes to our ultimate destination:
“We’re part of a story that is building to a climax where Jesus is glorified forever. Where you’ll be in 50 years’ time is uncertain. Where you’ll be in 500 years is not. This is not for maybe; this is for sure. So when you’re surrounded by a set of “maybes” (maybe I should do this, maybe I should move there, maybe I should go out with him ), look ahead to what is sure—and so, so exciting. In this sense, life can’t go “wrong”. All the decisions, indecisions and curveballs you experience can never make it go wrong.”
This is so freeing! So take the job, move to that city, take up the hobby—but ”whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10 v 31). Even if it doesn’t go exactly as planned, things will probably turn out ok.
You can trust every single unknown to your Father who knows what tomorrow holds
We don’t have to make these scary life transitions alone—God has given us a family of believers to walk through life with. Joining a new church can be stressful—the endless introductions and newness of it all can be exhausting, especially if you’re an introverted person.
But when we truly understand what church is, we will miss it when it’s not there and look forward to it when it is. In a podcast I was listening to recently, I was so moved by how Susan Hunt described the local church: “I can barely speak the word ‘church’ without weeping in wonder at the very idea! The Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, the family of God! The church is the people of God in all times and in all places. We’re those who were chosen in Christ in eternity past. We’re the ones with the potential to make Jesus known—to reflect the glory of God in a dark, broken world!”
That’s not to say that church will always be easy. I spent last Sunday morning wrangling with a bunch of hyper 8 year olds—afterwards I felt drained and far from excited about the next Sunday! But I can also recount endless stories of how my church family has loved me, cared for me, prayed for me, fed me and looked out for me over the past 2 years. They probably didn’t think much of it at the time, but it meant so much to me. So be confident that wherever life takes you, you’ll never be far from a family of believers who you can call home.
However you’re feeling about leaving university, you could do much worse than to take a look at Is This It? Whether you’re just feeling a bit lost or having a full “quarter life crisis”, it’s sure to encourage you (and make you laugh) as you navigate the challenges of adulting. Author, Rachel Jones is 20-something, trying to keep it together, and ready to say what we’re all thinking. Buy it here.