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May 14, 2009 >> 05:06:00 PM
The Final Dear Robbie
Dear Robbie,
What am I going to do with my life?
Sincerely,
A Lost Friend
Dear Friend,
You have posed a succinct, yet extremely deep existential inquiry and for that effort I will attempt a worthy reply. I wish I knew further the tone of your question; perhaps you are asking with a hopeful and bright demeanor that believes anything is possible. On the opposite pole, your question may be laden with anxiety, doubt, and an overarching sense of despair. Your signature, “A Lost Friend,” certainly hints that the latter tone may be more appropriate for my response. And although your identity is unrevealed to me, I have a feeling that I know who you are, friend.
I would like to address your signature first before I approach your question. The idea of being a “lost” person posits that there has to be a possibility of being a “found” person. At the same time, “lost” cannot be considered a status for someone if no one or nothing is looking for them. For example, the lost lamb in Luke 8 was only considered lost because its owner was seeking after it. You may be truly “lost” in this time, but only for the reason that you are being sought by something greater than you. To summarize, not only are you being sought after, but you also have the possibility of being found. Perhaps the idea of being “lost” does not seem quite so desperate now?
“What am I going to do with my life?” Can you imagine how many people are wondering the very same question at this very same time? Soon, graduation from the seminary will come and it will be time to start a new chapter. People tend to wonder what happens in the next chapter because its contents are untold. Who can blame you for asking such a worthy question about something so mysterious?
Have you considered the past before you contemplate the future? You seem so desperate to know what happens in the next chapter, but do you remember what took place in the previous one? Do you remember the triumphs and the tragedies? I wonder if you agree that your experiences have left you wiser, stronger, and more prepared for life than before the last chapter. You have come this far and can expect to keep going.
To be honest, there is not a straight-forward answer to your question. But I am glad you are asking it because that means you are preparing space to be introspective about something so crucial. Perhaps it is appropriate to discontinue asking “what are you going to do with your life?”, because the truth is that you are already doing it. Many times over in this lifetime you will transform into the person you strive to be. But remember that Carl Rogers, the great psychologist, reminds us that “the curious paradox is that when we accept ourselves just as we are, then we can change.” Keep focus on the specific nature and design which your Heavenly Father bestowed to you. Accept and revel in who you are!
I will always be there for you, as you have been there for me. Keep your heart focused on the greatness of God. Worship Him every single day. Be a good servant.
Sincerely,
You
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