It’s almost been a year since I graduated.
It’s almost been a year since I was so very relieved to have finally completed my studies, ready to move on to the next logical stage of working and gaining experience in the engineering field.
Except it hasn’t been a year of gaining engineering experience.
Sometimes I feel like a failure, not being able to find a job in an engineering position yet; sure enough, there have been some…friends who have said I’ve wasted 5 years of my life, as if I haven’t considered how big a failure I may actually be. As if I don’t beat myself up in my inadequacies and lack of experience. As if I don’t know or understand where they’re coming from. As if I haven’t wished I was smarter, better, sometimes even someone else.
As if I haven’t questioned why God brings and leads me on a path which is (seemingly) different and uncertain from what I had humanly “planned”. But God’s plans cannot, or should not, ever be our own plan, lest we come to false conclusions that our plan supersedes or affects an ultimate and divinely appointed journey — a journey which cannot be completely comprehended by our finite human logic and understanding.
So where has God brought me in this past year after graduating?
- He gave me the chance to experience bits of Europe
- He gave us the safety, healing and strength to still enjoy Europe despite having a few fevers and developing temporary respiratory problems
- He gave us the chance to come back home before letting one of the few big medical emergencies of the year occur in our family
- He brought me to a company and position that has helped me develop essential business skills; initially for 3 months, then extended twice to a total of 9
- He took away my job to give me a full week to focus on studying for my Professional Practice Exam, followed by a week of general vegetation and relaxation (which, admittedly, could have also been used more productively in the Word, or at least job applications)
- He brought me back to the same company in a different position, granting me an entirely new perspective of the industry and even more opportunities to learn
If I only focus on where I am not, I will never be able to keep my eyes open for where/what I can be. Just another reminder that there are many things I cannot bring forth on my own, and that I need the Good News (and share it) even more.