Just Here

     "So now that you've graduated from college, what are your plans?"

     This is the question that comes up in most conversations that I have nowadays. I have answered it so many times that my response has become automated.

     "Well, I plan to start my online Masters Program in July and then I would like to move in the Fall. But for right now I am just here, working at Chick-fil-A to save money."

     This response usually gets a nod of approval and the description of how difficult and unpleasant living in the "real world" is.

     This dialogue isn't wrong. It is so nice to have others interested in where my life goes next and it has been great to catch up with people from my hometown. This unexpected return home for a season has brought about some lovely moments and opportunities. Here's my issue.

I keep catching myself saying that I am "just here". 

     I am just here until I can save money. I am just here for the foreseeable future. I am just here waiting for something better to come along.

     In my excited anticipation for the next chapter in my life, I have been downplaying the one I am in. I am eagerly wanting to live on my own and to work in the field that I just learned all about in college. However, the opportunity to do that hasn't arrived yet. Other recent graduates have started to step out on their own. Others have gotten married, or started a career in their major, or moved to a new city, and I am just here.

     Here's the thing. I am never just here. That is not the way God works. The Lord is the orchestrator and organizer of all life! He has His people in specific places so that they can impact specific people. I may be where I am for just a season (and that season may be longer than I would like) but I AM HERE!

I am here because I prayed for where the Lord wanted me to go after I graduated 

college and this was the best option for me at that time. 

I am here because I have a great job at Chick-fil-A, and they were so excited to have me back! 

I am here to spend extended time with my family before time becomes a luxury. 

I am here because I get to serve on my worship team every Sunday 

with the musical creativity that the Lord has given me. 

I am here to learn from my parents about the complexities of the working world 

and how to be wise once I leave the comforts of home. 

I am here to encourage my co-workers and make the monotony of work a little bit more exciting. 

I am here so that I can save money to help ensure that the transition to 

living on my own will run smoothly. 

I am here to influence people in Indiana in unique ways that the Lord puts in front of me. 

     The Lord doesn't make mistakes when He writes His stories of human beings. This transition season of life (which I have humorously called my "Encore Summer") is a special chapter of its own. Just like every other period of my little life, it will be filled with victories, disappointments, lots of learning, and the chance to connect with others.

     I challenge you, my friend. To not be so enveloped with the desire to know what comes next that you forget that you are where you are for a reason. If you are feeling discouraged because your current circumstances are not exactly what you would like them to be, take a moment to pray about why you are here. The Lord can remind you and use you where you are at.

I am here. In a few months, I may be somewhere else. Only He knows. 

But for now, I am here.