It is coming to be that time in the semester when everyone looks ahead past the end of the academic year. Seniors are looking for careers. Quite a few juniors are looking at their study abroad options in other countries. More than one student is applying for jobs, internships, and other summer opportunities. In short, there is a lot of anxiety about the future.
This anxiety, I am beginning to believe, can never be alleviated. It can only be mitigated. In our perception of the future, it will always be unknown. As has been said, “Don’t worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.” This truism has come to be expressed in my life in a couple of different thoughts.
First, we can never have all the information required to make a decision. The only point where you are holding all the cards is in retrospect. It’s the whole hind-sight is twenty-twenty sort of thing. Because our information is imperfect, there is no guarantee that we will make a perfect decision.
Second, sometimes we need to recognize just how much control we actually have over any given situation. That control can be simply quantified as slim to none. There are so many unaccountable externalities and intricacies in life. There are so few areas that we can understand, let alone impact. In fact, the more that we try to claim power over aspects of life, the more that we are usually proven wrong. Cars, friends, economics, governments, health, and routines are all subject to immediate and unannounced changes.
The recognition of one’s relative powerlessness should not be an abdication of one’s will or motivation, but an issue of perspective. It can be freeing to recognize where we are not meant to be in charge.
In sum, the goal is recognizing our inability to know enough or control enough of the future to feel safe and secure. To some degree, I think that’s how it should be. The future isn’t meant to be comfortable. Work for it, but don’t worry about it. As I survey what is happening this summer, the fall as I go back to school, and the hazy distance that is post-collegiate life, I am trying to convince myself of that fact. As usual, easier said than done.
Wow, you’ve hit on something I’ve been learning recently. I think the key is to draw ever closer to the Lord so we will hear him when He gives the guiding, loving direction we need. He’s the One who knows the future (is holding all the cards), not us. So as long as we’re going by what He says, we don’t have to worry.
The hard part is going through life blind… letting ourselves be helpless in His hand. (and yet… that part is also exciting. ;)
“GOD IS HERE. GOD IS HERE. GOD, YOU ARE HERE. HEAR OUR CRY, GOD IS HERE.”
Ps- Life is exciting isn’t it? :)