Student Question

From a recent graduate of North Park University:

I’d like to hear your response, especially to paragraph 4 below and, to help us, give your age:

I am emailing you to say hello and wish you a blessed (cool) end of your summer! I also wanted to give you all a little update and ask for some prayer and guidance. As you know, I graduated in May and it’s been an interesting transition this summer. I don’t think that reality has set in just yet because it feels like I will be going back to school in August like always. While I have been adjusting, I have been praying and considering what comes next. I think my dream is to go back to school and I of course would love to do that, but I feel that it’s not the right time. I would like to gain some more experience, spend some time growing in this season, and maybe even save up some money before I embark on a graduate education.

I’ve been floundering a bit, however. I have a job in the area still and its been very good to me. But I had all these plans, and I’m finding that things don’t actually end up looking the way you thought they would. I have been trying to be one step ahead, prepared and ready for my “adult life” but I’ve ended up scared and unsure. I never really learned how to trust God with my finances or with my job (I suppose it wasn’t an issue before) and I have been seeking his voice, but I’m having such a hard time making it out from my own.

So I felt convicted to turn to the people in my life that I respect, admire, and look up to; those who can offer some truth and even just a bit of comfort.

I am asking for prayer. I want to know what the next step is. I don’t need a 5 year plan, but I will need a new job come August. I have been applying to jobs downtown, trying to find something that I am qualified for, but mostly, I want to do something meaningful and something that I enjoy. I want to feel God’s purpose for my life, but finding ways to pay the bills each month wasn’t exactly my idea of a mission. I truly love Chicago and want to be here, I just need some help as to what I’m supposed to do here.

Anyways, if any of you have a moment and can offer some guidance, I would be so thankful. Any job suggestions, people to talk to, ways to get involved–really anything that pops into your mind, I would appreciate. I know you are all busy men, so I understand if nothing comes of this.