Thoughts approaching Change

It's hard to believe that my time in DC as an intern is almost over. My time as an Undergrad is also coming to an end, and with it comes mixed feelings. I've learned so much over the past 4 years, yet there is still so much to learn. Lately I've been searching for a job because I don't want to go straight into Grad school. Many people say "Why? You should stay in school as long as possible!" when I tell them that, but there are two reasons.

1) I want to work in the world before I go back to writing papers no one reads.

2) I don't know what Grad program I want to join, why? Because outside of making a positive impact in the community that creates both a short-term impact and a long-term change, I'm not really sure what I want to do - and since the above requirement is more than kinda vague, I am struggling to figure out where I want to work, where I fit, and what difference I make.

I think that all people go through this at some point - usually as teens it seems - so I may just be dealing with it a little later than everyone else. However as I have been reflecting on where I fit, I've been reminded of something I was told as a high school student.

"Everyone has an important part to play. Not everyone goes and becomes President or flies off to the farthest corner of the Earth to share the Gospel. Some people are called to stay here to disciple and serve, and that service doesn't always take the shape that you would think."

While being President or a Missionary sounds amazing, not everyone is called to do that. Someone has to stay here and love on kids in the nursery so that their parents can go to work and run the banks, stores, restaurants, and even the public transportation for those who don't have a car (like me at the moment!). While it may not be what people would call their "calling", each job serves an important purpose and without it society would not run properly. I feel that this is true for the Body of Christ, not every calling is as glamorous as others but each is as important as the rest. Not everyone can be the Preacher or the Missionary in a far off land, because no matter how appealing (or unappealing) those positions may seem, there are other needs to be met. Now I did not say that every member of the Body is not a minister. As followers of Christ we all recieved the same commission! Though the shape that the commission takes in our life will be unique to the plan that God has for our life in fulfilling His purpose and will. Each person is equipped with unique gifts and talents to fulfill their purpose.

While thinking on this, I still don't know how or where I fit in, but it does give me a greater appreciation for those around me and remind me that no matter where I find myself working, I am making a difference alongside those around me.

Another important lesson from this for me though, is that I cannot make the difference alone. We work TOGETHER as the body. Behind every minister is God, a family, staff, and friends who support them and help them walk down their path. Behind every successful CEO is an efficient staff who enable the CEO to do his job. We were not made to be alone and that goes for more than just marriage.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

Just some stuff that I've been thinking about as I apply for (many) jobs and face the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

I thought this seemed appropriate... though it brings up the issue of communication when working together, but that's a topic for another day.

"Love is a better teacher than duty." - Albert Einstein

So I've been running around DC for a couple of weeks now. I have seen many places and met different people. I am growing accustomed to the ebb and flow of the world around me, yet I haven't grown complacent - instead I am being continually challenged.

At my internship I am mainly conducting research on a computer, 8-hour work days staring at a screen. How could this be interesting to me? I am often asked that, and sometimes ask myself as well. I think it all goes back to the vision and goal of my work. I want to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those who have been exploited because of situations beyond their control. This and my love for people motivates me, keeps me going when others would just walk away. 

Why am I here working for this organization? What is all of this work for and who will it benefit? By doing my research on national legislation and practices of countries around the world on internet-facilitated child sex trafficking, I am providing the tools necessary to educate and empower those who can help the children who have been pulled into these horrible situations. I am a part of the chain reaction, my work helps others do their part better. 

But even on a more egocentric level than that, I am learning so that I can educate others. I often say that while I can't stop human trafficking alone, in the words of a dear friend - it takes an army. Even so, I can do something and I must do it. I must give of my talents when I know that they can make a difference.

The other day after work, I was approached by some men around my sisters age and they began talking to me about the necessities of life. I knew pretty quickly into the conversation that they were soliciting people on behalf of an organization that provides assistance to people in developing nations through the monetary sponsorship of children. I also knew pretty quickly that there was no way for me to feasibly do that at this point in my life. But I couldn't interrupt or stop them, because I connected with what motivated them. I understood why they were standing outside in the freezing cold (and wind) to ask people to donate a small amount of their money so that a village could receive a well and children could go to school. It is always great to see that desire to help others in another person.

The city keeps providing me with opportunities to love on other people - some of which I miss, other I don't. But each time, I am learning things and storing them up for the next opportunity to use them. I am excited about what opportunities are arising and the thought that maybe I won't just be another intern that came and left DC making little to no difference in the bigger picture of humanity and our struggle to survive.

As I sit in my new room, I think back on what got me here and why I am here. What brought me to the capital and what do I want to get accomplished? Better yet, what will I learn here that will radically alter the way I view life, the world, and people? I'm usually not too deep of a person, but I feel that this is an opportunity that cannot be wasted. I am a cog in the mechanism that changes the world, a member of a team. I cannot change the world myself but I can make a difference and I can serve those I will never meet. I don't know everything, but as long as I keep my heart and mind open to the ways in which God is using me then I can help accomplish something amazing - the improvement of other's lives.

In the past I have worked in my community in various ways, but never in a capacity as I have the opportunity to now. Over the next week I will begin my my internship and other opportunities to use policy to make a difference for those who don't get to speak for themselves. I am excited about the opportunity to use my skills to help improve the lives of others. I'm also excited about the opportunity to learn from those I come in contact with - the diversity of people and their experiences is amazing.

“Remember, you cannot be both young and wise. Young people who pretend to be wise to the ways of the world are mostly just cynics. Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the farthest thing from it. Because cynics don’t learn anything. Because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us. Cynics always say no. But saying “yes” begins things. Saying “yes” is how things grow. Saying “yes” leads to knowledge. “Yes” is for young people. So for as long as you have the strength to, say “yes'.”
― Stephen Colbert