Half of you cares, the other half doesn't even bat an eye. You love your school, but you're ready to be done. Your closest friends have just graduated and are starting a new chapter in their lives. Meanwhile, you're here, stuck in the same chapter.
You're not quite ready to start adulting yet, but who ever is? You have a slight envy of those who just graduated, have a job lined up, are moving out onto their own and are off to a new city.
You contemplate what held you back from graduating. What was it exactly? I mean, let's be honest. Switching your major five times and to completely different colleges, that will really mess up your credits, don't you think?
You feel some pressure from your family. Of course they want the best for you, but why couldn't you have graduated in four years like the rest of your friends? Like they did?
Listen, it's OK.
Look at it this way. Not many people get this opportunity, although more do now than ever. Take this opportunity to really buckle down and figure out who you are. What you want to do. You may never really figure it out to be honest, but you'll be closer than before. You get an extra season in your life, whether it be an extra semester or a full year. Maybe even more.
Do something you didn't get to do within your first four years. Join a new club, get involved in volunteering, do something new. Be bold. God has given you this extra season for a reason. And He knows what He's doing. He has a purpose.
I didn't expect to spend any extra time in school. Believe me, I like school, but I was ready to get out once that four-year marker hit. I didn't plan on not being able to study abroad, I didn't plan on many things. Three different major changes, adding two minors, losing friends, a break-up, moving five times. None of it.
"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."
- Proverbs 19:2
That's sort of the beauty of it all though, isn't it? God has planned every one of our days. From every second of every day, it has been laid out for us in advance. If all of my plans had been carried out throughout the years, I would not be as near as successful as I am now. I wouldn't be as strong or as happy. I wouldn't be a lot of things. Honestly, who knows where I would be!
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Fellow fifth years, our momentary troubles are not important. For every set back we endure is part of a greater plan. A plan that has been prepared for us by our King.
So take this extra time in your life with peace. It's OK.
