Monday, August 4, 2014

I'm Happy For You


It's a saying that I say often. Or at least write on Facebook posts. I'm happy for you. Don't get me wrong, I mean it. Most of the time.

Life after graduation has been a whirlwind of finding jobs, moving, and getting married. For everyone but me. I know there are some that are just like me. The small percentage with no prospects. It does give me a little hope, but there is no denying that the ones that are successful are constantly running through my mind, and my Facebook feed.

The large percentage of people are as happy as can be. They graduated, found love, found a job and are moving into true adulthood. Their lives are in fast forward and to be honest mine feels like it's paused. I have been waiting for so long to have my own classroom with my own students. The moment finally came where I was actually allowed to be a teacher and 60+ applications later I'm sitting here wondering what went wrong. Why can't I have my dream job when I worked so hard to get here? 

I didn't intend for this post to feel like I am complaining. God has blessed me with a wonderful family and friends who are constantly pouring their love into me. I had the opportunity to go to one of my favorite places in the world, Costa Rica, this summer. It was amazing and I could only go because of people supporting me. While this post is a bit about complaining, it is also about needing to remember this time in my life.Throughout this stage of my life God has been teaching me something.

I was reminded of Romans 12:15...you know, the verse about rejoicing with those who rejoice? It has always been a hard concept for me, especially when I am supposedly rejoicing with those who are happy because they have been given the very thing I have been hoping, praying, begging, pleading God to give me.

While it is not always with the best of intentions that I rejoice with others happiness, God is continually reminding me that this is what it means to be a part of the body of Christ. I want to truly rejoice with those who rejoice, even if I feel more like crying. It is my prayer these days, as I’m finding myself surrounded more and more by those who rejoice: Let me rejoice, God. Let me rejoice with those rejoicing.

Maybe life isn't turning out the way you expected, but I am learning that it's okay. Enjoy the moments and places that God has placed you in. It won't be this way forever. I don't know what is next, but I know God has a perfect plan for each of us, far better than anything we can imagine.

I'm working on showing true joy for the people in my life who are finding happiness. So if you happen to see or hear me say "I'm happy for you", you can be sure that I mean it. I encourage you to do the same.