In today’s culture, there is a great emphasis on picking the “right” major or “right” career. I remember the number one question I was asked going into my freshman year of college was, “What are you majoring in?” Whether this be from a family member or another student during orientation, I could always gauge there thoughts about my future career by their facial expressions. We all know the one I am referring to. It is the one that either says, “Oh.. that’s great you’re pursing your passions” or the “WOW! That is going to take you so far in life (and make you a ton of money)”. Let me give you a brief background with my experience before diving into the deep stuff:
Going into my freshman year of college, I was absolutely sure of myself. I had chosen Nursing and was set on that decision. Even though my college didn’t have a nursing school, I was set on getting an Applied Health Science degree and then continuing onto nursing school. Everyone I talked to talked about how noble of a profession it was, how stable of a career it was, and (without directly stating it) expressed the wealth I would accumulate over time. Now, I have always been a person that falls into the trap of people-pleasing. Whether it be elementary school, or choosing my future career, I have always loved making other people happy. However, I began to realize this was taking a toll on me as I began my journey in college.
As the days rolled by and I began researching the nursing career itself, as well as how grueling nursing school is, I began to question my decision. Did I make this decision for myself? Or did I do this just because of the reactions I was getting?
Something didn’t feel right. I had always had a passion for taking care of people, so why did God bring me here just to change directions? Before this time, I thought changing majors was something I would NEVER do. I thought it was simply not an option. If God called me to a certain path, then I was going to stay in it for the long haul.
However, as my freshman year came to a close that first semester, I realized I was not truly happy. I knew I loved helping people, but God was slowly reminding me that nursing was not the only career he could use me in. So I decided it was time for a switch. Because of my interest in high school, I dabbled in business and economics for the next year. Although I was passionate about things like non-profit management and accounting, I found that even in this season I felt unfulfilled. I felt empty. I was confused, but even more so I was angry. I could not understand why God would bring me to a dead end yet again. I thought I would never be fulfilled and never feel like I was living out Gods true plan for my life.
As the end of my first semester of sophomore year came to a close, I remember going out to coffee with a good friend of mine. This was her first year of teaching and she taught 6th grade. I remember sitting there, listening to her stories, and wondering how anyone could do that day in and day out. I remember thinking to myself, “Thank goodness you didn’t call ME to be a teacher, God”. HA. HA. HA. Well, God has a very good sense of humor. As it has been said many times before, God laughs when we make plans for ourselves.
In that moment, in the middle of a Dunkin Donuts, a burning light began in my heart. I heard God’s voice more clearly than ever before telling me simply to go. Not physically leave, but a movement of some sorts to redirect my life. I spent the next few weeks more on fire to go back to college than ever before. I had 4 years of day camp experience under my belt, so I knew I loved working with kids. I just never thought God would call me to such a difficult profession.
I went home that afternoon and was SO excited to tell people about this new passion of mine. However, I was very disappointed by their reactions. “Do you know how much teachers get paid?” “Kids are so bad these days, God bless you”. These comments and questions brought me back to a place of confusion. Was I wrong when I listened to God? Should I go back to the comfort of a major others approved of?
Y’all, I struggled with this more than you could possibly believe. I spent the next 6 MONTHS wrestling with God. I could not make a decision in this. The closer I got to making a final decision, the more I would let people influence my decision.
Finally, I looked back at the 2 education classes I had taken that semester. I remembered my professor on the first day told us that we were all going to be “World Class Educators”. In that moment, I was more excited than I ever was thinking about nursing. In that moment, I knew that all that mattered was where God was calling me in that moment. Despite some people who may criticize my choice, I stand firm in knowing that God will provide where he guides. My purpose is far greater than I could possibly imagine.
SO why tell you all of this? Well, it’s because it taught me a valuable lesson about college majors. College majors are something that brings one of the greatest anxieties in college. Picking the “right” one can often mean picking one that brings temporary happiness through material possessions. If we constantly chase money, cars, etc., we may have full pockets but empty hearts. When we follow where God is calling us, we can find where true joy is hidden.
God equips those he calls. I believe this with all of my heart. I also believe that God created you and I for far more than a job. Ultimately, he calls us every single day to make disciples of all nations and to love in his name. We are to walk as Jesus walked. Whether it be as a teacher, a healer, a defender, a speaker, etc. We can love as Jesus loved whether we are in a cubicle or a hospital. A classroom or a courtroom. If we look at Matthew and what he was doing when Jesus called him, he was doing what only the most despised people would do:
“ As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.”
And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:9-13
Tax collectors were seen as those who manipulated others to gain their own personal wealth. There was a lot of theft that occurred in that occupation. We do not know for sure what Matthews motivations were to enter such a profession, however Jesus called him regardless. Not only did he call him, but he defended his choice to the religious leaders of that time, the Pharisees. Jesus chose Matthew not because of anything he had done in his profession or anything he had done on his own, but solely based on his need for a “great physician”. I think this is so amazing. God chose the lowest of the low to raise his name on high. Just as he does this with Matthew, he can do this with you too.
When we begin to realize where our true identity lies, we can listen to the only voice that truly matters. In the end, the only person we will be standing before is God himself. None of our earthly possessions will be there. None of the people who decided things for us on earth will be standing before us deciding our eternal future. The only thing that will matter is whether we lived our lives how Jesus lived. If we gave all of ourselves to our Savior. If we made followers of Jesus, despite the consequences, strange looks, or awkward conversations. When we take our eyes off of what others want us to do, and look to what Jesus is calling us into, we find true joy and true contentment.
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