As young adults, it’s tempting to think that life should look a certain way. Our daily schedule and next stage should match those around us. Right?
Not. At. All. A glorious freedom with our time rests at our fingertips.
In 2004, I was 26-years-old and single. My friends were getting married left and right, and while I hoped to be married, I knew my life wasn’t meant to be a waiting room for marriage. A desire to experience life in a developing country and learn Spanish surfaced in my soul. So, when an opportunity to live in Guatemala for almost a year arose, I embraced it. A week before I left, my friend asked me that question—that question I will always remember:
“Why would you move to Guatemala—don’t you want to get married?”
Indeed, I hoped to be married, but it wasn’t my reality. And, I wasn’t putting my life on hold in hopes of something happening simply to mirror those around me. I am thankful for Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 to not care about others’ praise or approval. It lifted me up when doubt or discouragement hit. I was ready, more than ever, to go after my dream.
What are your dreams and what burdens your heart?
While the details of how I would experience life in a developing country were hazy, I sought the Lord earnestly. Since He promises to give us wisdom generously when we ask, I asked. Endlessly.
There is no simple equation. Jesus called some to stay and others to go with Him. In Mark 5:19, a man Jesus healed begged to go with Him. “Jesus did not let him but told him, ‘Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.’” Yet Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow Him in Matthew 4, and they immediately went.
Sometimes, the most obedient thing we can do is to stay put, while other times it’s to move on. As we seek the Lord’s wisdom, He will show us the way. If there is something the Lord wants to make clear, He will.
I recently celebrated my ten-year anniversary with my husband, whom I met after returning from Guatemala. If I had not moved there out of fear of not getting married, I wouldn’t have been true to the purpose set upon my heart—and that would have been agonizing. Looking back, my time in Central America transformed my world, my life, my outlook, and me.
But transforming times don’t have to be a big adventure; they can be one moment at a time. Don’t feel limited by the stage you’re in. Amidst the monotony, joy, emptiness, and fullness, seek the Lord and discover what makes you come alive.
What is it that makes your heart ache? What’s pushing you to step out of your comfort zone? It might look like being vulnerable by sharing your story or attending an event where you don’t know anyone. It might mean breaking up with someone you can’t be yourself around or opening your heart to love again. Or, maybe it means being the first one to reach out your hand to forgive.
It might look like embracing that leadership role instead of expecting another person to fill it, volunteering in an unfamiliar place, or choosing thankfulness over bitterness. It might look like changing jobs or moving to another city or country. Or, maybe it means staying where you are, but shifting your perspective to contentment and not letting the green grass fool you.
Stepping out of your comfort zone might mean accepting that life looks different now, and your old identity isn’t lost but is simply changing and becoming new.
If your life resembles a waiting room, step out and discover those goals and dreams begging to surface in your soul. And, as time rolls on, breathe easy as you take in the words of Deuteronomy 31:8: “The LORD is the one who will go before you.”
Author Bio: Linsey Driskill and her husband live in Virginia with their seven-year-old triplets. Linsey is passionate about spurring people on to love God and love others. She loves authenticity, simplicity, spontaneity, and a good cup of coffee! You can find her at LinseyDriskill.com and @BeautifulHeartedParenting.