I recently had a conversation with a costumer at the coffee shop I work at that made me realize the common misconceptions about gap years:
Him: So are you in school in one of the local colleges here?
Me: I’m actually taking a gap year
Him: Ah, so a whole year of doing nothing?
Me: …Not exactly
I graduated high school last spring, and instead of jumping into college, I decided to take a break and figure out a good direction to pursue. I had no intention of going to college in my middle to high school years, and it wasn’t until my senior year that I began to consider it. By then, deadlines had passed, and I still wasn’t sure where my life was headed. While uncertainty shouldn’t stump one from going into college at all, I thought it would be best to wait. And so far, it has been one of the best choices I have made in my eighteen years.
As sizzling summer slowly burned out into chilly fall, I realized I didn’t have a plan for what the year ahead would be. As someone who has scheduled out every minute of every day since the age of ten, this was unsettling to say the least. I explored possible missions trips to places in South Asia that would last several months, but firmly felt I was to stay in my area. The first month or so felt like a wandering on a mapless excursion. I filled my days with activities, played instruments, did online classes, read lots of books. But I still lacked focus. A goal, a direction.
Then, one week at the end of September, everything just clicked.
I got a raise at my current job, a promotion at my other, and began volunteering in an area that I believe I will be in for the rest of my life. Recently, a non- profit organization was started by my church to help men and women facing pregnancy decisions and is headed up by two of my friends. I told one I would visit her one day- I’ve always been interested in the work there and wanted to find out more about it. While there, both her and the CEO expressed they could put my writing and speaking skills to use and become part of the mission of the organization. I was ecstatic. I have been writing, researching, and working with them since, and it has been a tremendously fruitful and rewarding experience.
My jobs and volunteer hours take up the majority of my time. I am also thankful to have the flexibility to pursue callings in youth and college ministry as a worship leader. In addition, I can continue my hobbies in violin, weight lifting, reading, etc. Above all, I still have the ability to say to God what do you want me to do today? and allow Him to move without my calendar page obstacles. Some days look like reading an entire book, long discussion with my sister, planning events and celebrations, coffee with friends, dancing, etc.
This time has allowed me to explore future possibilities, and find my direction before jumping off the ledge. Every day is an adventure, following His calling for my life by the minute.