Lessons from a Year Without 'Having It Together'

Last year, I found myself living the quintessential millennial life: juggling three part-time jobs, constantly sharing on social media, and feeling utterly lost. Having left school two years prior for a job that didn’t pan out, I was adrift, unsure of my future and feeling as though I was floundering in an endless sea. This unsettling period, however, forced me to confront some important truths about life and faith.

Live Up to the Right Expectations

We often create rigid expectations based on outdated dreams or societal pressures. By high school, I had imagined a successful career by age 25, but as that age approached, panic set in. The goals set by my younger self no longer aligned with my current desires. It’s crucial to recognize that goals evolve as we grow. Sticking to outdated expectations stifles our ability to hear God’s calling, which is ultimately the only standard that matters.

The Deceptive Nature of Social Media

Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it helps us stay connected and inspired, it also presents a highly curated version of reality that can lead to unhealthy comparisons. Behind every flawless post are numerous failed attempts, and real life is far messier than those filtered images suggest. Embrace the imperfections and understand that nobody has it as together as they appear online.

Embracing the Right to Quit

Andrew and Peter abandoned their stable jobs as fishermen to follow Jesus, demonstrating that sometimes leaving a secure path is necessary to follow God’s calling. While perseverance is important, stubbornly sticking to a path that doesn’t align with God’s plan can be detrimental. Trusting in God’s guidance sometimes means taking the brave step to quit what isn’t working.

Making Friends with Failure

Fear of failure can be paralyzing, keeping us from trying new things or taking risks. However, failure is a crucial part of growth and success. The parable of the three servants illustrates that God values the use of our talents and opportunities, and fears shouldn’t prevent us from trying. Every failure teaches valuable lessons that bring us closer to success.

Thomas Edison famously failed nearly 2,000 times before perfecting the incandescent light bulb. His perseverance shows that each failure is a step towards eventual success. Like Edison, we should embrace failure as a natural and necessary part of life’s journey.

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