“That’s kind of a dying field, isn’t it?”
I rub at the corner of my lip and look down at my feet,
trying to pull my smile into neutrality. That’s what the businessman said to me
as I traced the creases on my book and leaned my elbow against the cool metal
of the plane’s insides. “I mean, it’s not easy to make a pile of money writing,
but…” I’d like to think I’ll be able to
eat somehow.
Months later, as a tall boy weaves me through the other
waltzing couples, he asks me the same question, “So, what do you want to do
with your degree?”
I’m trying to think of an original way to answer. “Uh, I
think I’m going to be a full-time waitress and write on the side.” I probably
should have bit my tongue because I think he thought I was serious.
I do it too. It’s the go-to question with high school students,
with university students. It’s right up there with “What’s your name?”. I
evaluate people based on where I see them going. That’s not always a bad thing;
sometimes it really is the best way to get to know someone. However, maybe we’re
missing what matters.
There’s no denying that some careers lead to a better income,
some lead to a better lifestyle, and some give an outlet for creativity. That’s
just not the point. I’m not saying to be lazy, unfocused, aimless; God never
says that either. I’m just saying that when Abraham was about to plunge a
dagger into his son’s heart, he had no idea God was going to provide a ram.
Faith isn’t poetry we put on our walls. It’s what happens in the sweaty, sticky
moments where we hold onto His promises even when we don’t know what’s coming
next. It’s the rising to our feet when He gives us a command and we do it
without knowing the outcome.
Growing up starts today. I whisper ‘yes’ to God for this
moment, stride forward once, and nod ‘yes’ again. The cycle continues. Sure, I’ll
lightly pencil in my five-year plan if you really want me too, but I’ll give
God the eraser and the pen.
What I’d really like to answer when they ask it again is
this: I want to do what Jesus did…nothing apart from the Father.
What do you want to be?
I want be a reflection of Jesus.
More than worrying about their career choices in grade ten, maybe
we should worry about their souls. While we’re teaching them numbers, we should
live out words in front of them, His Word.