FOR THE GIRL Who Graduates High School This Year
Senior year. It's finally here! You're at the top of the totem pole. You know all the shortcuts in the hallway and all the teachers in the building. You're excited because this is supposed to be "the best year" of high school. And then the dreaded question gets asked again and again:
"What do you want to do after graduation?"
When I was a senior in high school, I knew I was passionate about a few things: people, sports, and planning events. However, I had no idea if there was a major or job that tied all of these things together, let alone what my first step should be.
As you wrestle with similar questions over the next few months, I encourage you to prayerfully consider a few things:
1) Pinpoint the gifts and passions the Lord has given you.
If making this list seems complicated, here are some questions to think through:
What are you good at?
What do you enjoy doing?
What brings you joy?
What spiritual gifts has the Lord given you?
If you don't have an immediate answer to any of these questions, that's okay! Try some things out. See what you enjoy and don't. Ask your close community, family, or small group leaders about your gifts. They will be able to provide great insight and suggestions! Odds are, your next steps will intertwine with these giftings.
Ultimately, the Lord has given you unique abilities and talents to bring Him glory. Regardless of what school or occupation you decide to pursue, cling to the truth of 1 Corinthians 10:31. It says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." As a believer, the Lord is more concerned with your heart of worship than your master blueprint in life. He wants us to glorify Him!
2) Resist the urge to compare.
Seeing your classmates decide where to go to school and receive a hefty scholarship can be challenging, especially when you don't have any direction! Or maybe you know where you want to go but didn't get accepted. Perhaps you have a lower ACT/SAT score than your friends and feel you don't measure up. All these situations can sting!
If this situation sounds a little too familiar, here is some encouraging truth from Romans 8:28-30. The passage reads:
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."
While it doesn't always feel like our situations or circumstances are good, the Lord promises to work all things for your good. He doesn't get things wrong! Most importantly, in light of our day-to-day disappointments, we can rejoice in knowing Christ's finished work on the Cross affords believers justification. We are forgiven and free forever! Holding eternity with Christ in light of earthly disappointments anchors us when comparisons creep into our minds.
3) Following the Lord requires utter trust in Him.
During my senior year, I was so concerned about missing the next step or making the wrong step that I frequently forgot the Lord would show me the way. That's why one of the best pieces of advice I received during my senior year of high school was to pursue the Lord above all else. Repenting and believing, seeking Him, sharing the Gospel, reading His Word, and following Him all stem from His death and resurrection on the Cross. We can focus on obeying the Lord and His Word, knowing that Christ is a lamp for our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
You might get tired of hearing, "oh you will figure it out." But know that if this season feels like a waiting period, there is purpose in the waiting. The Lord will use this waiting period to grow you, draw you near to Him, and sanctify you in His Word.
In hindsight, I realize that God had his hand in every step of my senior year journey. It encourages me that this is still true for me as a believer today! It's not easy when we cannot see the end as God can, but He is worthy of our trust. He is shaping us to use our unique gifts to step into our calling to make His name known!
Hannah Fatheree resides in Knoxville, TN with her husband Taylor and works as an event planner. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in the Smoky Mountains, training for marathons, or sipping on coffee with friends. Hannah is passionate about helping others find Biblical community and taking their next steps in their walk with Jesus. Connect with Hannah on her personal website hannahmfatheree.com or on Instagram @hannahmfatheree/@captivatingcommunity!