A LETTER TO GRADUATES
Dear Friend,
The day this blog post goes live marks one year since I officially became a University of Florida graduate. Even though a whole year has gone, I still remember the mix of emotions within me around that time. Yes, there was joy for the accomplishment, relief that we were done, and excitement for the close of one chapter and the start of another.
I would be lying, however, if I didn’t also mention all of my nerves, worry, and fear as I thought ahead to what the future might hold. As everyone around me during my senior year was announcing their new jobs, where they were moving, or what graduate school they were attending, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What if I’m doing the wrong thing?”
As He likes to do, God spoke to my fear by leading me to a story. If you’ve been following me on social media for any time within the past year and a half, you’ll know the impact it has had on my life. Today, I want to share this story and the biggest lessons it has taught me.
If you are graduating, recently graduated, or simply facing a new beginning or transition, maybe you have felt this mix of emotions. This is for you.
THE BLIND BARTIMAEUS
They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crow, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more. “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, he is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Mark 10: 46-52
1. DON’T SETTLE
Bartimaeus could have sat silently on the side of the road and just hoped that Jesus would come to him. He didn’t. He could have listened to the rebukes of the people and stopped calling out. He didn’t. Instead, Bartimaeus called out more when the people mocked him, and when Jesus called back, he got up.
I remember during my senior spring semester, my studio professor asked me whether I was going into a design grad program or straight into work after graduation. I dreaded this question every time because I knew pursuing a Master’s in Catholic Theology was what no one anticipated for someone about to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Architectural Design. Thankfully, my professor was encouraging, but I was all too familiar with the questioning expression, tilted head, and confused, “Well, what do you want to do with that?”
My friend, don’t settle out of fear of people’s questions, commentary or criticisms. Don’t settle for the side of the road. Call out all the more to Jesus and let Him guide you to Himself.
2. GOD GIVES YOU WHAT YOU NEED
When Jesus called Bartimaeus to Himself, it would have been so easy for Bartimaeus to say, “I’m blind. Could you come to me instead?” Instead, he gets up in full trust and confidence because God gives us what we need in every moment, no more and no less. What Bartimaeus needed in that moment was not his sight. What he needed was courage to do what God asked of him. He was completely sure of God’s Providence.
I like to overthink just about everything. I will overanalyze and calculate until I am convinced that the worst-case scenario is the only scenario. My application essay for grad school sat in the documents folder of my computer for over a month because I was sure I wouldn’t get in.
“Why would they want someone who has done no formal religious studies? I haven’t written a full academic paper in years. They’ll be able to tell as soon as they open my essay.”
How often do we doubt that God gives us what we need? God would not call us to something and then leave us on our own. Ours is a generous God who longs to provide as long as we…
3. TAKE THE STEP.
If you don’t move, you’ll never get anywhere.
Bartimaeus couldn’t see where Jesus was. He didn’t know how long the walk would take or which direction to go first, but he got up and took the step. Scripture doesn’t say so, but it’s possible Bartimaeus may have started off in the wrong direction and needed to be turned around. But if he hadn’t taken the first step, he would’ve stayed on the side of the road.
By keeping my application tucked away on my computer, I might have been saving myself from rejection, but I was also keeping myself back from acceptance into the program. More than anything, though, I feared I was making the wrong choice. Eventually, I had to hit submit and trust that if God didn’t want me to pursue this path, He’d redirect me. But if I never turned in that application, I would never have given him the chance to.
TAKE COURAGE
I imagine that moment when Bartimaeus reaches Jesus. I imagine that Jesus smiled—a heart overflowing with love for this man who walked in complete trust. He probably reached out to steady the blind man, as He gently asked how He could help.
“Master, I want to see.” After spending his whole life in darkness, Bartimaeus opened his eyes to see the loving eyes of Jesus Christ.
My friend, Jesus is calling you to Himself, too. Maybe you’ve been hurt by what other people are telling you. Maybe you don’t feel like enough. Maybe you have no idea how to get to Him or you’re afraid to go in the wrong direction.
Bartimaeus didn’t let his ability to see the path ahead of him affect his faith. It taught him trust. It taught him courage. May this time of uncertainty and new beginnings do the same for us, as we walk in daring trust toward the loving face of Jesus Christ.
Take courage, my friend. He is calling you.
From my heart to yours,
